Support West is a program created in direct partnership with, and in support of small businesses. From creating jobs to creating safe spaces, investing in local businesses is vital to the future of our communities, and what makes the Support West program so unique is that it’s not just about the financial investment. Our goal is to shore up the economic corridors of West Side communities through financial resources and marketing support, providing long-term assistance to these neighborhoods.

The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is excited to launch the third cycle of the program to continue to support minority owned small businesses on the West Side by providing $5,000 grants through the Support West program.

The application window will open on November 1st and close on December 13^th. The grantees will be selected and notified by January 6^th, with disbursement by the end of January.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for a grant, businesses must meet the following requirements:

• Located in a West Side neighborhood, particularly in Austin, Belmont Cragin, East Garfield Park, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Lower West Side, Near West Side, North Lawndale, Pilsen, South Lawndale, West Garfield Park or West Town.
• Categorized as one of the following business types: Food and Beverage, Art/Entertainment, Health & Wellness
• 10 or fewer employees
• Minority owned and operated business
• Less than $250,000 annual revenue
• In business for at least one year
• Willing and able to participate in programming with mentors and professional development beginning in February 2025 and ending in September 2025