Economic Development in Greater Chatham & Beyond

Building a Stronger Local Economy Together

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Greater Chatham is comprised of four Chicago southside neighborhoods: Avalon Park, Auburn Gresham, Chatham and Greater Grand Crossing. It has 120,000 residents living in 50,000 households. This 15-square-mile area is home to over 5,000 businesses that employ 30,000 people and draw two million visitors each year. Since the 1950s, it has been a proudly mixed-wage, predominantly Black, stable, and storied community.


Greater Chatham Initiative drives neighborhood economic growth by supporting entrepreneurs, revitalizing commercial corridors, and expanding opportunities across the Greater Chatham area. Our approach blends business development, community investment, and real-world problem-solving to help local firms thrive. We strengthen high-impact corridors like 75th Street’s “Restaurant Row,” connect business owners to resources, and help attract investment that fuels long-term stability. Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, we’re here to support your success across Chicago’s South Side.


Explore Our Economic Development Services

Small Business Support

Our team assists entrepreneurs and established businesses with one-on-one coaching, operational guidance, and FoodLab Chicago support for restaurant and catering professionals. These resources help owners build wealth locally and navigate growth with confidence.

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Retail & Corridor Development

We strengthen key corridors by filling storefronts, improving business districts, and supporting efforts that attract foot traffic and investment. These initiatives help create vibrant commercial areas that benefit residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs.

Lem's Bar B Q restaurant.

Access to

Capital

GCI helps business owners identify grants, loans, and funding opportunities through local and citywide programs, including technical assistance for application readiness. Our guidance helps entrepreneurs secure the financial tools they need to grow.

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Experience That Sets Us Apart

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Our long-standing partnerships, deep community insight, and proven business support framework help entrepreneurs build sustainable success across the South Side. We’ve supported hundreds of local firms, including 100+ restaurants and caterers through FoodLab Chicago, and contributed to the revitalization of high-potential corridors. Greater Chatham’s 1,548 firms generate over $700M in annual sales, reflecting the power of a resilient, opportunity-rich community. These results demonstrate our commitment to helping businesses and neighborhoods thrive together.

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How We Work With Local Entrepreneurs

We make business support accessible, practical, and rooted in real community needs. Our process helps business owners move from questions to actionable next steps.

1. Initial Conversation

We learn about your goals, challenges, and location needs to guide you toward the right programs.

2. Tailored Support Plan

You receive recommendations for coaching, corridor resources, or capital access based on your business stage.

3. Hands-On Guidance

Our team provides ongoing support, including technical assistance, FoodLab coaching, and city program navigation.

4. Growth & Connection

We help connect you with partners, customers, and opportunities to support long-term success.

Reports

Plate by Plate Single Page

MAHALIA-S MILE DECK 12.17.25

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GCI Short List of Potential Trees- Pictures- and Attributes

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CultualPlacemaking_HyesunJeong_Chatham Workshop_2

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Comprehensive Plan for Economic Growth and Neighborhood Vitality

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Proven Ways to Maximize Corridor Foot Traffic Fears Deck

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IHS_GCI_Market_Overview_07122024_Final

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IHS Carto Interactive Map User Guide

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Master Card Executive Summary 1.27.25

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10.28.25 Presentation Culture Corridors and Community Deck Final

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Greater Chatham Initiative Looking Forward

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GCI Datathon Presentation

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IHS_GCI_HotSpot_1to4_2023_06282024

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Chatham Tree Canopy Maps.pdf

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Culture, Corridors, and Community: How Food Entrepreneurship Strengthens Local Economies

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2024 Chicago Datathon: Greater Chatham Initiative

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Chatham Tree Canopy Maps

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Comprehensive Plan for Economic Growth and Neighborhood Vitality: Investing to Make Chatham, Auburn Gresham, Greater Grand Crossing and Avalon Park Communities of Opportunity and Choice

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Cultural Placemaking Toward Sustainable Cities: Hyesun Jeong, PhD, Assoc. AIA Assistant Professor, School of Planning, University of Cincinnati

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Greater Chatham Initiative's Tree Species List

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Greater Chatham Initiative Looking Forward: Impact & Insights Report 2016–2023


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Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University: Carto Map User Guide

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Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University: Hot Spot Analysis of Sales Value per Square Foot in Single Family Homes and 2 to 4 Unit Buildings, 2023

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Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University: Tracking recent housing market trends

in Greater Chatham, 2024

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MAHALIA'S MILE: A Corridor Plan For Peacekeeping & Placemaking on 79TH Street

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Master Card Executive Summary 1.27.25

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Plate by Plate: How FoodLab Chicago Builds Stronger Businesses and Communities, 2025


Proven Ways to Maximize Corridor Foot Traffic, 2025

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Plate by Plate Single Page

MAHALIA-S MILE DECK 12.17.25

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GCI Short List of Potential Trees- Pictures- and Attributes

Arrow icon pointing up and to the right, inside a circle.

CultualPlacemaking_HyesunJeong_Chatham Workshop_2

Arrow icon pointing diagonally up and to the right, enclosed in a circle.

Comprehensive Plan for Economic Growth and Neighborhood Vitality

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Proven Ways to Maximize Corridor Foot Traffic Fears Deck

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IHS_GCI_Market_Overview_07122024_Final

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IHS Carto Interactive Map User Guide

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Master Card Executive Summary 1.27.25

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10.28.25 Presentation Culture Corridors and Community Deck Final

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Greater Chatham Initiative Looking Forward

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GCI Datathon Presentation

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IHS_GCI_HotSpot_1to4_2023_06282024

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Chatham Tree Canopy Maps.pdf

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