Three commercial corridors on Chicago’s Southwest Side are receiving a total of $250,000 in funding to help small businesses recover from the economic effects of Operation Midway Blitz, according to a city press release issued March 20. The grants were awarded to Latinos Progresando and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, two local nonprofits that will lead programs aimed at filling vacant storefronts along 26th Street and Cermak Road in Little Village. A separate initiative is also providing financial assistance for businesses on Archer Avenue.
The funding comes as many small businesses in these areas continue to face challenges from both the COVID-19 pandemic and federal immigration enforcement actions. Luis Gutiérrez, executive director of Latinos Progresando, said these streets are the “lifeline” of Chicago’s Latino neighborhoods but have seen ongoing declines in foot traffic. Four businesses on Cermak Road closed last year, and vacant storefronts increased from 45 at the start of the pandemic in 2020 to 61 in 2025, based on data collected by Latinos Progresando.
With this grant, Latinos Progresando plans to help entrepreneurs open pop-up shops along West Cermak Road between Rockwell Street and Albany Avenue. Gutiérrez said the nonprofit has worked since 2018 to strengthen this corridor and aims to bring business into two empty shops during the program’s first year. He added that stronger commercial corridors generate more tax revenue for the city, create shopping options for neighbors, and increase public safety.
Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, said her organization is working to fill four out of an estimated 20-30 vacant storefronts on 26th Street by providing financial assistance for rent and startup costs. Business owners interested in applying can contact either nonprofit or fill out an online form.
Latinos Progresando is also supporting businesses across other Latino-majority neighborhoods through its Our Shops, Our Chicago campaign. According to surveys conducted by the group, 95 percent of businesses reported lower daily sales since Midway Blitz began; for three-quarters of respondents, revenue dropped by at least 30 percent due to federal immigration enforcement measures. Earlier this week, nine Brighton Park businesses received a total of $45,000 in aid through this campaign.
The Southwest Collective partnered with Latinos Progresando and helped identify grant recipients. Founder Jaime Groth Searle said: “We chose the nine because they have a deep connection in the community. They’re pretty resilient, but have had to deal with a lot of stuff they haven’t had to deal with.”
Both nonprofits are offering technical assistance such as marketing support and guidance on building an online presence. The Little Village Chamber also helps business owners apply for additional city or state programs and provides legal or financial advice.
Gutiérrez encouraged residents: “Anything that people can do to support will help our corridors,” he said. “Think of shopping in [local] corridors first and continue to organize your friends, family and events to visit these spaces.”
