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November 1, 2023

The City of Highland Park has launched a new licensing platform. Some business owners may have already received an automated communication this morning via the new licensing platform from egnotify@cityhpil.com. The email is a generic notification automatically generated by the software and does not include any account-specific detail. The license renewal link included in the auto-generated email is active, and you may follow the prompts to create an account and renew your license(s). Please note: your online account is linked to the email address that the City has on file for you. Be sure to use the email address to which the renewal message was sent when activating your account.

If you did not receive this automated communication, additional correspondence will be sent to all businesses by Wednesday, November 8. This correspondence will include instructions on creating an online account, completing the 2024 Business License Renewal process online, and viewing/paying invoices. Businesses that did not provide an email address to the City will receive renewal instructions via USPS. 

The City of Highland Park is working with the Lake County Clerk’s Office to find a location for early voting. Serving as an election day early voting site makes sure that people can cast their ballot in an accessible manner. We are seeking facilities that meet the following requirements:

Early voting site requirements:

1. Accessible parking
2. Working elevator (if voting area is in the basement or an upper floor)
3. Voting area should be adequate for four workstations, voting booths, and election equipment (recommended minimum square footage 700 SF)
4. Ability to secure voting equipment overnight during early voting period
5. Compensation may be negotiable with the venue

Hours for early voting

March 4-10:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 2 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

March 11-17:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM

March 18:

• Monday: 9 AM to 7 PM

October 21- 27:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 2 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

October 28 to November 3:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM

November 4:

• Monday: 9 AM to 7 PM

We welcome the opportunity to discuss further. Please contact City Manager, Ghida Neukrich at 847.926.1000 or via email: cityhp@cityhpil.com.

We can't wait for Stews & Brews (and Blues) at The Lot on Friday, November 3, from 5-9 PM. Wrapping up the 2023 season, come join us for this perfect fall-weather event. Fun for all ages, this free event is not your ordinary chili fest or craft beer fest. Attendees will enjoy an array of cold-weather comfort foods while cozying up around warm fire pits and heaters. Think chili, pozole, lamb stew, beef stroganoff, Hungarian goulash, potpies, soups and brews including creative coffees and cocoas, craft beers, spiced wine, hot toddies, mulled ciders and more!

Chicago Blues Bands Win Noll & The Rockin' Souls (5-6:40 PM) and The Ivy Ford Band (7-9 PM) will perform.

Participating Highland Park restaurants include: BWB Shakes, Cafe Dacha, Kabul Kabob, Max’s Deli, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Pixca, Ravinia Brewing Company, and Tamales.

Events at The Lot are presented by the City of Highland Park with the generous support of: Porsche Audi Exchange, First Bank of Highland Park, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Scott Byron & Co., Highland Park Community Foundation, Sunset Foods, Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management, Wayfarer Theaters, Baird & Warner, Gearhead Outfitters, Mariani Landscape, and PromptMed Urgent Care.

525 Central Ave. / Enter at St. Johns Ave. & Park Ave.

Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Funding

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is announcing that the next funding round for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program will open Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and run through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Individuals who purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer, meet all other eligibility requirements, and apply during the rebate cycle will be eligible for a rebate as long as funds are available. Questions about the EV Rebate Program may be submitted to EPA.EV@Illinois.gov.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are located throughout the state and provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other free resources for start-ups and existing small businesses. If you need help with a business plan, marketing, financial bookkeeping, finding grants, starting and growing a business, click HERE. To find a Center near you, click HERE. Please note that many SBDCs do provide Spanish assistance. If you need help finding an SBDC that provides Spanish assistance, please contact Diana Alfaro at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov.

Community Navigators is a support program to assist small businesses, particularly minority, women, rural, and veteran-owned businesses. They provide outreach to raise awareness on federal and state programs, and provide 1:1 technical assistance, etc. For more information, please click HERE.

Discover small business grants for every stage of your small business adventure. Grant opportunities are recommended based on your unique profile and delivered to your inbox weekly. The search for free money doesn't get any easier! In partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and with funding from Etsy and Progressive, Hello Alice is a free online platform that helps businesses launch and grow through every step of their entrepreneurial journey. The Small Business Growth Fund provides small business owners with knowledge, funding, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer connections with more than one million small business owners. 

Learn about Hello Alice funding opportunities.

SCORE offers in-person or virtual sessions using phone, email, or video

All sessions are free and confidential. SCORE mentors are successful business professionals, some retired, some working, from all industries and experiences.

SCORE recently added a new YouTube channel where all previously recorded webinars can be accessed.

To schedule an in-person or virtual session, visit score.org/northchicago and register to “Find a Mentor”. You will be asked to provide the nature of your business interest. Please include whether you prefer in-person or virtual mentoring (phone, email, video) and note the Highland Park Public Library even if you prefer a virtual session.

Upcoming November Webinars:

• How to Start a Business Without Access to Capital

November 9, 12pm CST / Link to Register.

• Surge Ahead with Artificial Intelligence: 5 Strategies for Business

Success November 9, 6:30pm CST / Link to Register

• Unlocking Growth - How to Scale Your Solo Business

November 16, 12pm CST / Link to Register

This newsletter is produced by the City of Highland Park's Office of Business Development. The City encourages business owners and managers to share information regarding upcoming events, promotions or news for possible inclusion in the City's marketing modalities, including The Weekender, Enjoy Highland Park, and social media. Please send these items to the City via email to: businessdevelopment@cityhpil.com. The City reserves the right to edit and/or filter submissions. 

For general business inquiries and assistance, contact Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at chersch@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1027.