In August 2026, the Small Business Improvement Fund opened for applications from the Goose Island TIF District.
We're pleased that five businesses applied for the program this cycle, including our member Goose Island Shrimp House (1011 W. Division Street), a family-owned business in operation for over fifty years.
This 94-acre TIF is located along the North and East sides of the island and is primarily industrial land.
The five businesses that applied are:
UI Labs dba MxD USA - 1415 N Cherry Ave.
Goose Island TIF, image courtesy of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
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 Pulaski Corridor TIF in November 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.
