New $450,000 investment will support small food businesses and farmers market operators while expanding access to fresh food in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched a new grant program designed to support small business owners and farmers market operators, providing funding to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city. Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small food businesses operating in priority geographies across Chicago. The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment. Applications in English were available as of Friday, August 28 and applications in Spanish will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2. For more information and to apply, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.
“Access to fresh, healthy food should not depend on what neighborhood you live in,” says Mayor Brandon Johnson. “For too long, communities that have experienced disinvestment have also faced fewer options for fresh food. The Neighborhood Market Grant Program puts resources directly behind the small businesses and market operators who are helping change that—strengthening local food systems, supporting neighborhood entrepreneurs, and expanding access to fresh food across Chicago.”
“Farmers markets are economic engines and community gathering spaces,” says Ivan Capifali, BACP Commissioner. “This grant program will help businesses grow and create local jobs, while also making sure fresh, healthy food reaches the neighborhoods that need it most. It is an investment in small food businesses and farmers market operators that strengthen Chicago’s neighborhoods.”
Eligible applicants include small retail food and beverage business owners and farmers market operators that operate a storefront or market physically located in priority geographies. Grant funds may be used for a range of purposes, including equipment purchases, market operations, marketing and outreach, and improvements that help markets operate year-round.
“Through this partnership with the City to manage the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, A4CB will continue to provide the capital, coaching, and connections entrepreneurs need to grow great businesses that create jobs and wealth in their communities,” says Brad McConnell, CEO of Allies for Community Business (A4CB). “And, we will leverage what we’ve learned as an owner of The Hatchery incubator to help Chicago’s entrepreneurs provide healthy food throughout the city.”
This initiative is funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Allies for Community Business (A4CB) will provide $450,000 to eligible grant applicants.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Small business owners and market operators interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application materials by visiting Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.
