In April 2026, the Small Business Improvement Fund opened for applications from the Kennedy/Kimball TIF District.

We're pleased that eight businesses applied for the program this cycle, including our new member H.M. Witt & Co., a multi-generational sign manufacturing company that was founded in 1894.

This 152-acre TIF is primarily commercial and includes a mix of business and industrial uses.

The eight businesses that applied are:

• Cultura Cafe dba Terra Coffee - 3343 W Belmont Ave.
• Dennis Xenos - Landlord - 3415 W Belmont Ave.
• EBP Inc. - 3534 N. Spaulding Ave.
• Olympia Auto Inc - 3447 W Belmont Ave.
• Neiman Brothers Company Inc. - 3322 W Newport Ave.
• Zoomies Inc. -3459 N Elston Ave.
• HM Witt & Co - 3313 W Newport Ave.
• Lakefront Roofing & Siding Supply - 3465 N. Kimball Ave.

To apply for a SBIF project, the business first fills out a short preliminary application. The business is then selected, and the project administered in partnership with a designated project manager at SomerCor.

At North Branch Works, we support businesses completing SBIF projects at every stage, including:

• Completing paperwork
• Connecting to experienced SBIF contractors
• Securing low-interest financing
• And more!

Our services supporting your SBIF project come at no cost, as per our contracts with the City of Chicago. The next cycle to open in our service area will be the Goose Island TIF in August 2026.

With questions and for help completing the SBIF process, please contact Steve Simmons at 773-929-5552 x2226 or Phoebe von Conta at x2236.

For more information about how to apply for the program, please visit this page.