Business Partners

The mission of the Business Partners, the Chamber for Uptown, is to provide comprehensive support services and access to technical assistance programs to businesses and economic investors located in and serving Uptown. The assistance furnished by the Business Partners will insure that Uptown businesses have the opportunity and tools to thrive, and that the needs for goods and services in the community are met.

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Partnering with Uptown United
for the future of Uptown

Business Partners

Chamber programs and services are delivered in cooperation with local Aldermen and the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development

Latest News

Don't miss out on the latest news!

Learn more about Uptown events and information by browsing the latest emails and newsletters in our Email Newsletter Archive. We encourage you to sign up on our email distribution list (link is at the top of this page) so you can receive the most up-to-date information. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Spring/Summer 2008 Newsletter

The Spring/Summer 2008 Chambergram Newsletter is now available online and is being mailed to businesses in the Uptown community. If you would like to have a supply of newsletters to distribute at your location, please call the chamber office 773-878-1184. To download a pdf copy click here.

Upcoming Events -- Save these Dates!

Thursday, April 24: Energizer, 5:30pm-7pm in the community room at Cafe Too, 4715 N. Sheridan Rd. Meet your business liaisons from the 20th and 23rd Police Districts. Open to all. Free to Chamber members, $10 for non-members. RSVP by Monday, April 21 to rsvp@uptownbusinesspartners.com
Thursday, May 29: Commander's Luncheon and Chamber Board Elections, Noon, Aon/Combined Insurance. Meet your commanders from the 20th and 23rd Districts, chamber members will vote on the new board directors. Ticket price will be announced soon and will include a full buffet lunch. RSVP in advance will be required.

Thursday, June 26: Energizer, 5:30pm-7pm, location to be announced soon!

Saturday, June 28: Uptown Shop Around & Family Fest -- will include a neighborhood wide sidewalk sale and a family fest with kids activities, performances and vendors. Fest location to be announced soon!

New Website and Directory Coming Soon!

Business Partners is anticpating the launch of a brand new website coming this June with lots of valuable features for our members and community! New chamber member and Uptown-based business, Swartwerk Media will be managing the project.

Business Partners has joined forces with Chicago Journal this spring to produce the annual Uptown Community Guide which will be available June 23rd. This handy guide will provide a quick reference for area services, business listings and entertaining editorial. The guide will be distributed as in insert in the News Star newspaper, through some door to door delivery and will also be available in Uptown businesses -- or just call the Chamber to get your copy. The deadline to advertise in the guide is May 23rd and advertising rates are extremely affordable for chamber members. To buy an ad, contact Christine Zach at Chicago Journal at (708) 613-3361 or by email, czach@chicagojournal.com.

It's Membership Renewal Time!

Were you a 2007 member? Click the "View Membership Directory" on the left sidebar to see if you're on the list. All 2007 members are included. A new 2008 membership directory will be coming out soon. Make sure to renew right away to get in on all benefits and activities.

Why should you join? The chamber helps guide Uptown's business development, and that includes YOUR business. Like most chambers, we facilitate networking and informational events to help you build new relationships and grow your business. While many events are open to all businesses, members receive special perks.

Benefits include:

Improved interactive Web site
Guaranteed monthly networking or training events (featuring member businessses)
A luncheon and Q&A opportunity with our two aldermen
The traditional "Annual Event"
A new, expanded directory
Expansion of our e-mail and regular mail mailing list
The annual Holiday event
Improved gift premiums (pens, mugs, etc)
Continued discounts on Uptown Banners

As a chamber member you can:

promote your special events through our regular e-mail campaigns, complete with links and graphics
announce special offers, events, and services on our website (including links to downloadable flyers or brochures that we can post for you)
have your contact information listed on our website, along with a 25 word, unique description of your business and a link back to your own website
have your information listed in the annual business directory
contribute articles of community/business interest to our full color quarterly newsletter
obtain member mailing information and labels for your own business promotions
host chamber events that will bring new patrons to your establishment
impact the broader community by being an event sponsor and facilitator
serve as a board or committee member.

Ready to renew or join? Click link for a membership application form. Still wondering what Business Partners can do for you? For more information contact Executive Director Bill Van Howe at bvan@uptownbusinesspartners.com.

Fall 2007 Chambergram Newsletter now available

Check out the news in the latest Chambergram. They're in the mail now and a pdf can be downloaded by clicking here, Find out what's been happening and what's happening soon. If you need additional hard copies to distribute at your place of business, simply call the chamber office - 773-878-1184.

Huge Temporary Price Reduction

Banner prices have been temporarily reduced by $100!!! until January 15, 2008. There's no better time to promote your business or honor a special someone than with an Uptown banner. Choose from 5 designs. The more you buy the more you save. Chamber members save even more! Call Bill at the chamber office (773-878-1184) or email him at bvan@uptownbusinesspartners.com.

Storm Damage Relief Loans Available

On Friday, November 16th, 2007, the Governor's Office announced that a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for Cook County had been granted. This means that homeowners can apply for loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. In addition, businesses and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Representatives from the SBA will be available to accept and process loan applications starting Tuesday, November 20, 2007 through Thursday, December 13, 2007. They will be at the Chicago Park District - Eckert Park 1330 W. Division from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday (exclusive of holidays). For individuals not able to apply in person, they may obtain information and loan applications by calling toll free (800)659-2955; hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

For additional assistance, please feel free to contact Antonio Ruiz, Executive Director, Office of Emergency Management and Communications at (312)746-9111 or Deputy Director Earl W. Zuelke Jr. at 312/743-1828. You may also contact Alderman Helen Shiller's Office at (773)878-4646 or email ward46@cityofchicago.org.

Small Business Improvement Funds (SBIF)

Wanting to remodel the exterior and/or interior of your business? Considering expanding your business? Call Bill at Business Partners, 773-878-1184 to find our more about the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Grants for the Wilson Yard TIF District.