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July 20, 2022

City of Highland Park Business Recovery Grant Program

At the Monday, July 25 City Council meeting, City Council will consider approval of a Business Recovery Grant Program. If approved, businesses within the secure closure footprint would be eligible to apply for financial assistance. The draft proposal will be available when the City Council agenda packet is posted by end of day Thursday, July 21.

Small Business Administration

The City is working with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine if Highland Park businesses would qualify for a forgivable loan. More information will be shared should forgivable loans be available. 

Business Recovery Fund

As part of City-wide recovery and resilience efforts, a Business Recovery Fund has been established with First Bank of Highland Park, Highland Park Bank & Trust, the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood taking the lead in fundraising for and disbursing monetary assistance to aid businesses and employees in recovery from losses sustained. The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce is gathering information in order to assess the extent of the financial need, and accepting applications for financial assistance. 

If you are a business owner or employee that has suffered financial loss because of being closed, physical damage, loss of wages, loss of inventory, etc., please click the link below to fill out the application. Your input is essential. All information will be kept confidential and used solely to identify need.

Please be aware that this is separate from the City program being explored and can work in conjunction with such a program. Recovery Funds will be used for supplemental grants to the businesses affected and any residual funds will be used for the betterment of our HP business community.  

Applications are due by Friday, August 5, 2022, at 5 PM

Food Truck Thursdays returns to the Ravinia District this Thursday, July 21, from 4:30 PM to dusk in Jens Jensen Park. Alfresco diners are invited to come and enjoy various food and drinks from more than a dozen rotating food trucks every week on Dean Avenue, adult beverages from local restaurants, including Abigail's American Bistro and Ravinia Brewing Company, and dance to a wide range of live musical performances in Jens Jensen Park.

Jens Jensen Park is located between Dean, Roger Williams and St. Johns Avenues, across from the Ravinia Metra Station.

Visit enjoyhighlandpark.com for updates and event information.

Take Out Tuesdays

Starts July 26 and continues weekly through September 13, from 5-8 PM

The community is invited to bring takeout meals from Highland Park restaurants, listen to live music, play games, socialize and participate in onsite activities. Each week will feature a special theme and live music.

The theme of the first Takeout Tuesday is Fitness & Wellness. Community members are encouraged to bring their Mahjong or Canasta set, cards, and board games to complement the onsite oversize cornhole, bocce, Connect 4, Jenga, checkers, and chess games at The Lot.

Vendors including Donut Jester, Casa de Isaac, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Ravinia Brewing Company, and Lollibus will provide food, beverages, and libations. Live music will be provided by The Westerlees, playing old-timey hot jazz and Western swing. The Art Center and Family Focus will provide kids’ activities.

Attendees are invited to make it a no-cooking night and support local restaurants onsite by picking up dinner downtown to enjoy alfresco at The Lot’s dining tables, or they can bring their picnic items.

Vintage Car Show - August 6

12 - 4 PM

Vintage cars with light bites and background music. Check out the cars, then head to your favorite Highland Park restaurant for dinner.

Vegetarian Fest - August 20

11 AM - 7 PM 

Explore veg options from restaurants throughout the Chicago area along with music, meditation/yoga sessions and cooking demos.

For a complete listing of events at The Lot visit enjoyhighlandpark.com.

The Ravinia Farmers Market continues Wednesdays through October 26, from 7 AM to 1 PM along Dean Avenue and in Jens Jensen Park. Plan your weekly menu shopping around all that’s in season this week. You'll also find fresh greens, meats, cheeses, flowers, and more. For a list of 2022 vendors and live musical performers presented by the Highland Park Community Foundation, visit www.raviniafarmersmarket.com.

The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled the Summer Sidewalk Sale. This decision was made after thoughtful consideration and in consultation with the City of Highland Park and members of the business community. The new dates are Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13.

If your business would like to join us on these new dates, there is still time. Contact the Chamber today.

The City is currently seeking nominations for The Mayor’s Beautification Awards. The Award recognizes businesses that have enhanced their storefronts and created a welcoming atmosphere that invites and attracts prospective customers with pleasing aesthetics. Award recipients go above and beyond to improve the visual appeal of their property and serve as an example to all businesses and property owners within Highland Park to remain committed to beautifying our community.

Award recipients will be granted a Mayoral certificate and a digital badge for use on the business website and Facebook. In addition, recipients will receive public recognition at a City Council Meeting, on the Central Avenue digital kiosks, in The Highlander, City e-News, and on the City’s website and social media platforms.         

Nominations may be submitted on the City’s website or with this form.

Contact Melissa Rosen with questions 847.926.1046, mrosen@cityhpil.com

The City has received a number of inquiries from business owners looking for assistance in finding employees. We have put together the list below as a resource.

Government Agencies

• Get Hired Illinois

https://www2.illinois.gov/GetHired

Helping connect job seekers with employers as well as employers who are looking to fill open positions with available workers.

• Lake County Job Center

https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4621/Hire-Lake-County

Staffing Agencies & Websites

• https://www.talroo.com/

On-demand staffing platform for restaurant/hospitality. Vendors need to make an account to see pricing. There are three levels of pricing, one starting with 40 hires a year. This platform can help the restaurants with additional staffing during events as well as regular shifts.

•  https://www.instawork.com

Businesses can register on the site themselves and make an account.

• https://adia.works

On-demand staffing platform.

Not for Profit

• Goodwill Talent Bridge – Chicago

Julie Johnson - Branch Manager Talent Bridge 224.257. 8075, 224. 257.8080

www.goodwilltalentbridge.com, Julie.Johnson@goodwillsew.com

The Talent Bridge is a traditional staffing firm that is connected with Goodwill. Vendors are welcome to contact them directly for their pricing and available staff. Part of the proceeds goes back to the Goodwill Mission.

• The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce

https://business.chamberhp.com/jobs

Colleges

• Harper College

Hire a Hawk – Free Job Postings – jprc@harpercollege.edu

Job Placement Center 847.925.6400

• Oakton College – 847-635-1735 www.oakton.edu/careers

Sent out every Thursday, The Weekender is all about things to do, places to shop, restaurants to visit, and more in Highland Park. Email specials and promotions to Amanda Civitello so that we can help get the word out!

*Please send pictures along with detailed information about your events and promotions. We are unable to use flyers or pictures that contain text.*

Each week a new business is chosen and promoted on Enjoy Highland Park and on the Enjoy Highland Park Facebook Page, as well as in the Weekender eNews, and on the Central Avenue Digital Kiosks, regardless of the business location.

Click HERE to fill out a brief questionnaire to have your business featured as Business of the Week.

*Don’t forget to upload 1-3 high-resolution photos.

Update Your Business Plan to Grow Your Business!

Meet With A Small Business Advisor Through SBDC Illinois

Illinois Small Business Development & International Trade Center offers confidential, no-cost, one-on-one virtual advising sessions.

To schedule a meeting click HERE

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.

Visit northchicago.score.org 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

For general business inquiries, contact the City's Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at chersch@cityhpil.com.

For more information on the City's response to COVID-19, contact the City's Communications Manager Amanda Civitello at acivitello@cityhpil.com.

This newsletter is produced by the City of Highland Park's Office of Business Development. If you have information you would like to include in this weekly mailing, please submit information, photos, and news to Melissa Rosen at mrosen@cityhpil.com. The City reserves the right to edit and/or filter submissions. No pricing information will be published.