Please join us for a webinar on April 14th at 10 a.m. featuring the latest updates about major infrastructure and development projects in the North Branch.
To sign up at no cost, please go here.
The program is approximately seventy-five minutes; we’ll have time for questions and answers following each presentation.
Topics include:
Stay tuned for updates to the agenda.
As these projects move forward, NBW understands the importance of keeping our businesses and neighborhood partners informed so that disruptions are minimized as much as possible.
We hope you can attend the webinar on April 14th, hear the latest updates from CDOT and our partners, and share your input.
The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is an incredible opportunity to strengthen commercial and industrial businesses
We’re thrilled that SBIF is about to open in part of our service area, the Kennedy Kimball Tax Increment Financing District (TIF).
North Branch Works is teaming up with Wintrust Bank to hold an information session for interested businesses on Wednesday, April 1st at 12:30 p.m. It’ll be held in the taproom at Revolution Brewing (3340 N Kedzie). Lunch will be provided.
SBIF provides reimbursable grants to property owners and tenant businesses for permanent building improvements.
Grant funds can be used for things like new windows, doors, floors, HVAC systems, roofs, electrical wiring, interior remodeling, and more.
Commercial companies are eligible for a grant up to $150,000 while industrial firms can receive a maximum of $250,000 with 50% project reimbursement.
Eligible businesses in Kennedy Kimball include Henry Frerk Sons, Neiman Brothers, Automatic Anodizing, Lakefront Roofing & Siding Supply, H.M. Witt & Company, and Pumping Station: One.
The SBIF program will open for applications on April 1st and the deadline to apply in Kennedy Kimball is April 30th.
With questions about SBIF and to RSVP for the information session on April 1st, please contact Steve Simmons at 773-929-5552 x2226 or steve@northbranchworks.org
Born into the restaurant business, sisters Brittany and Stephanie Bertucci bring a wealth of knowledge to their incredible cafe, Dolce Arte.
The cafe is located at the amazing Rockwell on the River development (3057 N Rockwell St) in Avondale. Those in the know come to Dolce for the freshly baked pastries and convenient morning cup enjoyed along the riverfront.
Dolce Arte was inspired by the family's experience in Italy, rooted in the tradition of family business. Their parents, Fred and Denise, opened Freddies in 1990. Fred and Denise learned how to run a small business through Denise's Uncle Joe LaScola at Joey's in Bridgeport.
Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dolce offers early morning catering, as well as lunch and dinner. The riverfront patio, both indoor and outdoor, serves as a beautiful respite from a hectic day.
Brittany notes "Since we are from a small community, we are always eager to support the communities we are in in any way that we can!"
Come by Dolce Arte and try out their fresh cornetto, baked in the Italian style, a fan favorite. Spread the word, and we look forward to seeing you there!
More information about Dolce Arte is available on its website: dolceartechi.com.
To see its delicious pastries and products, follow the business on Instagram @dolceartechi.
Images courtesy of Dolce Arte.
The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is an incredible program that strengthens local businesses and property owners.
SBIF provides reimbursable grants for permanent building improvements like a new roof, floor, windows, HVAC system, interior remodeling, masonry repairs, and more.
We’re excited that SBIF will open in two parts of our service area: Kennedy/Kimball in April and on Goose Island in August. When the program opens, businesses and property owners will have one month to submit an initial application.
Commercial businesses can receive a grant up to $150,000 while industrial companies with 200 or less employes can obtain a maximum of $250,000 with 50% project reimbursement.
To be eligible for SBIF, businesses must have a physical location in the open Tax Increment Financial District (TIF).
You can determine if your property is in the Kennedy Kimball or Goose Island TIF by using this SBIF Locator Tool.
North Branch Works will lead the outreach to commercial, manufacturing, and industrial companies located in Kennedy Kimball and on Goose Island.
We can also help businesses move through the SBIF process that follows the initial application. We regularly connect businesses to contractors, help them obtain low-interest loans, and complete the reimbursement paperwork.
For more details about how area businesses have benefited from SBIF, please see these success stories at Lucas Tire & Autocare and K.H. Hapkido School.
If you have any questions about SBIF or would like to discuss project ideas, please contact Steve Simmons at 773-929-5552 x2226 or steve@northbranchworks.org
The City of Chicago has opened applications for the Workforce Solutions Program, grant support scaling up employees, onboarding, and providing on the job training.
Businesses are eligible to receive up to $250,000 in reimbursable grants for training programs. Funding options vary based on building location.
If your business is located in a TIFTIF Districts: Applications accepted year-round for businesses located in funded TIF districts.
Citywide: Applications accepted quarterly, beginning February 1, 2026 for businesses located outside of TIF districts.
The Workforce Solutions program is a wonderful way to cover inevitable expenses and build knowledge and skill in your employee base.
For more information, please visit Workforce Solutions page on the City of Chicago's website.
To learn more, contact: workforcesolutions@eesforjobs.com.
Monthly informational webinars will take place on the first Tuesday of the month, at 10am. To register, please visit Workforce Solutions Program | E&ES.
With questions about business growth opportunities and to join North Branch Works as a member, please contact: Phoebe von Conta, phoebe@northbranchworks.org
Join us on Tuesday, February 17th at 4 p.m. for a seminar on exit strategies and estate planning for business owners. Please sign up via this page.
This free event will be held in-person at the Green Exchange Building (pictured) (2545 W. Diversey Avenue) in Logan Square.
All business owners are invited to attend, ask questions, and learn more about how to plan for your future.
NBW is partnering with Pueblo Consulting Inc. to host the workshop. It’s part of our work to retain businesses by helping them develop solid transition plans.
Topics that we’ll discuss include family succession, management buyout, employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) and third-party sale.
Even if you are not planning to retire soon, this information will help you prepare for the future.
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required.
Refreshments will be provided by Trogo Kitchen and Market.
This program is provided free of charge through the City of Chicago's Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI) Program.
With questions, please reach out to: admin@northbranchworks.org
Image credit: Baum Realty
Promote your business with the Chicago Loves Local campaign. This is a free promotional program for businesses in Chicago to share their products and expand their reach.
At the moment, Chicago Loves Local is seeking businesses to apply to their promotional program, which will result in a feature on their Instagram, using unique, tailored branding to promote shopping locally, shopping across neighborhoods, and exploring all that Chicago has to offer.
Please see below for details about how to submit your business, for a chance to be featured.
How to submit to the Chicago Loves Local campaign:
1. Follow Chicago Loves Local on Instagram
2. Fill out the Google form with information about your business, and a message that will be displayed on the Instagram page.
3. Submit a few photos including your business, food or product, which can be featured in the post.
We look forward to seeing your business featured next!
For help submitting for a feature, or for more information, please reach out to Phoebe von Conta at phoebe@northbranchworks.org, or call (773) 929-5552 ex. 2236.
Burning Bush Brewery
Have you ever wondered what advanced manufacturing near the North Branch of the Chicago River looks like in 2026? Mark your calendars for April 9th, the North Branch Works Brewery tour date is set! Please purchase tickets at this link.
Each year, North Branch Works partners with businesses across our service area to share the depth of craft products in our neighborhood. Discover the power of local manufacturing and the developing and innovative North Branch industrial corridor. In this tour, you will meet the community leaders, business owners, and neighbors who have built our neighborhoods and sustain thriving businesses in our area. This year, our partners at Maplewood Brewery and Distillery (2717 N Maplewood Ave), Burning Bush Brewery (4014 N Rockwell St), and Lake Effect Brewery (3074-76 N Milwaukee Ave), and more have offered to open their operations for viewers to visit and taste craft brews and spirits.
Come witness how manufacturing has expanded to neighborhood breweries & distilleries.
Lake Effect Brewing
The ticket price includes transportation, a tasting & tour at each stop, snacks, and dinner.
Please join us at 5:00pm on April 9th to meet our local businesses on this all-inclusive tour!
A portion of the proceeds will contribute to the mission of North Branch Works to support and empower neighborhood businesses.
For ticket sales, please visit this link, or contact Phoebe von Conta at phoebe@northbranchworks.org or 773-929-5552 x 2236.
Flying Needle Acupuncture is a dynamic small business based in the North Branch offering accessible alternative health options.
The company specializes in serving home-bound veterans, first responders, seniors, and those with mobility challenges.
Dr. Daryll Daley, the practitioner and founder of Flying Needle, was born and raised on Chicago’s West Side. Trained as a radiologist, he currently holds a position as Clinical Director at Midwest College of Oriental Medicine at the Skokie campus.
Courtesy of Dr. Daley.
After years as an x-ray technician, Dr. Daley started his career in law enforcement and enrolled in classes at Midwest College during his tenure.
These classes inspired him to open a health clinic with his classmate Dr. Timothy Suh, called The Alternative Health Group.
Since 2015, this clinic has provided in-person acupuncture treatment in Wicker Park, offering different modalities of traditional Chinese medicine.
In 2024, Dr. Daley established his own practice, Flying Needle Acupuncture. Flying Needle Acupuncture seeks to provide care and support to patients who may not have access to acupuncture otherwise.
His focus is on individuals who may not be able to leave their homes or travel due to different limitations. Dr. Daley shares that his business is designed to provide in-home treatment to primarily veterans, first responders, and seniors who have limited access outside of their homes.
“I bring all of the necessary tools and equipment with me to provide safe and effective treatment in a familiar setting, thereby removing some of the stress and difficulty experienced by those with difficulty traveling for treatment,” shared Dr. Daley.
North Branch Works members and supporters can help Flying Needle Acupuncture by signing up for appointments and spreading the word about this community-focused practice.
Please visit https://flyingneedleacupuncture.net/ for more information.
With questions, please contact Dr. Daley at 773-654-3032 or flyingneedleacupuncture.net.
In many ways, 2025 was a challenging year for our local businesses. Despite an uncertain environment, we persevered, worked together, and found ways to grow.
Here are the top ten stories from the North Branch of the Chicago River in 2025:
1. In October, the City of Chicago recognized Howe Corporation (see below right) with a Manufacturing Month Award. Howe Corporation is a multi-generational, women-owned business that manufactures and sells refrigeration equipment from its facility at 1650 N, Elston Avenue. The company produces approximately 1,000 units in a typical year; they range in daily ice production from 1,000 to 20,000 lbs.
The 2025 Chicago Manufacturing Awards ceremony at mHub on Chicago's Near West Side; October 2025.
2. NBW successfully facilitated a Green Business Accelerator Program in partnership with Prosperity Now. The first half of the program built the capacity of business serving organizations and community advocates to help companies with interest in transitioning into the rapidly growing green economy. During the second half, we trained nine businesses to enter the green economy. Each business received a grant of $2,500 to put these ideas in practice when the program wrapped up.
3. Nineteen businesses applied for reimbursable grants from the City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) when it opened on Goose Island and Addison South in 2025. We led the outreach for SBIF in these areas and continue to work with businesses to help them complete their building improvement projects and receive their grants.
Goose Island
4. In November, Goose Island Shrimp House (1011 W Division Street) held the first-ever Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Goose Island. Within two hours, the business gave away 100 meal packs including a turkey and side dishes, drinks, and dessert. Stay tuned for more opportunities to support this event in 2025.
Goose Island Shrimp House -Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
5. In October, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery (2717 N Maplewood Avenue) in Logan Square won a Made in Illinois Grant. This state program made 29 awards to small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois. Maplewood will use these funds to help with the costs of a new brewhouse and the related installation costs.
6. The Chicago Avenue Bridge replacement and Halsted Viaduct Project officially started in August of 2025. NBW held a webinar with the Chicago Department of Transportation to ensure our businesses received important updates. It’s expected the project will take two years to complete.
7. During our Fall Fest, NBW recognized businesses and leaders for their positive contributions to our service area. Metropolis Coffee Company won our Industrial Business of the Year Award; World Business Chicago received our Partner of the Year; and former Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. won our Donna Ducharme Award for Outstanding Leadership to the North Branch Community.
Former Ald. Walter Burnett accepting Donna Ducharme Leadership Award
8. In February, approximately 100 people attended our North Branch infrastructure and bridge replacement webinar. This program provided updates on the construction schedules for the Division Street Bridge on Goose Island, and the Chicago Avenue Bridge and Halsted Viaduct Project. We also discussed development projects such as the next phase of the Lathrop Homes project, Onni Group’s Halsted Pointe, and Bally’s Casino.
9. Small businesses win grants in partnership with NBW. Parachute HiFi won a national grant from Grubhub and National Ace and Brothers Restaurant won a community development grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning & Development.
10. NBW connected businesses to financial resources. In 2025, we helped a property owner refinance a commercial mortgage, saving him a significant amount of interest in monthly payments. We also executed a low-interest loan to a business, providing it with capital to make necessary building improvements.
Thank you to our member businesses and partners for a productive and resilient year.
Parachute HiFi (3500 N Elston Avenue)
