The City of Chicago has awarded $5 million in grants to 51 small business owners in several South Side and West Side neighborhoods, according to ABC 7 Chicago. The grants were awarded as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Retail Thrive Zones initiative. 

The Thrive Zone includes the following neighborhoods: 

The Thrive Zone project is designed to encourage new business development in these neighborhoods. The grants will fund new businesses, renovation of existing businesses, and help businesses add jobs. With the resurgence of new business, the project aims to give these neighborhoods an economic boost.

The small business improvement grants were awarded to a variety of different businesses. For example, Bitoy’s Sweet Treats in the Austin neighborhood will use its grant to build a new outdoor seating area. Boulder Real Estate Group in Back of the Yards will use its grant money to build a new daycare center. Amour Salon Suites, a hair salon that has been open in Bronzeville for close to two decades, will invest in upgrades. Other grant recipients in these neighborhoods include restaurants, grocery stores, jewelry stores, and more.