Cicero welcomes opening of new Jimmy Johns fast food restaurant
Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop Opens in Cicero. New Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop at 3312 S Cicero Will Immediately Begin Serving Freaky Fast, Freaky Fresh® Sandwiches. New business
Town President Larry Dominick Tuesday welcomed the official opening of the Jimmy John’s Sandwich shop at 3312 S. Cicero Avenue. The restaurant opened this week.
“We are proud of the many new businesses and industries that have come to the Town of Cicero bringing not only great quality products from food to retail items,” President Dominick said Tuesday (August 31, 2021).
“Not only do the many new businesses bring great products but they also bring new jobs for our residents, and contribute to the Town’s sales tax revenues which alleviates the tax burden on residents and business property. We are proud to welcome Jimmy Johns to the Town of Cicero and encourage residents to patronize the business and always shop local.”
Here is the release from Jimmy Johns.
CICERO, IL (August 31st, 2021) – A new Jimmy John’s sandwich shop located at 3312 S Cicero is now open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and ready to serve gourmet sandwiches to the people of Cicero.
“This will be our first store in Cicero and our team is excited to serve fresh, fast and tasty sandwiches to a new set of customers in the area,” said owner Sal Abdallah. “Whether it’s in our new store, through contactless delivery or ordered through our Freaky Fast Rewards® loyalty program – our team is ready to serve even more guests on their terms in a way that only Jimmy John’s can deliver.
Abdallah says he plans to hire around 25 employees. Anyone interested in applying can call or text 708.639.8282 or email afssubsllc@gmail.com.
Founded in 1983., Jimmy John’s has built its reputation on serving up fast and fresh sandwiches in communities across the country and is one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S. with over 2,700 Jimmy John’s locations across 43 states.
The new Jimmy John’s in Cicero will deliver sandwiches right to your door if you are inside the delivery area and offers convenient catering for any occasion. Customers can stop by the new location, call the store at 708.477.4949, or order online at online.jimmyjohns.com or through the Jimmy John’s mobile app.
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives of most small business owners around Cook County.
To continue to support small businesses through this difficult time, Cook County’s COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program is planning a finance-focused webinar, titled “It’s Your Turn: Time to Survive and Thrive – PPP and More”, for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.
All small business owners in Cook County are welcome to register for the free event at https://t2m.io/itsyourturnppp.
The webinar will discuss the reopened Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and how small businesses can work with local lenders to secure assistance.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, representatives from Small Business Assistance Program partner organizations and small business owners who have received assistance from the program in the past — like Luz Cavazos, owner of Juicy Luzy Sangria — will speak during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join small group discussions.
“Getting that email was a blessing,” Cavazos said of finding out about the Small Business Assistance Program. “I’m grateful for the grant we got, because if we wouldn’t have gotten it… it was literally just making it, not knowing how long you had.”
The County also invites small businesses to sign up for the Cook County – Chicago Business Advising Program, also known as technical assistance, which provides individualized assistance to business owners to help them address needs; acquire new capital and customers; understand finances, as well as change and risk management; adjust business models; and operate under changing safety regulations. This assistance is provided by program partners like Accion, Chicago Urban League, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Development Center, Berwyn Development Corporation, Chicago TREND, Cook County Black Chamber Corporation and Southland Development Authority.
ABOUT THE COOK COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program provides support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers advising for small businesses in Cook County and grants for small businesses in suburban Cook County and the unincorporated areas. For more information about the program, visit https://t2m.io/CookCountySBassist.
Insurance Navy & the Town of Cicero Host a Food Drive October 8, 2020 at Community Park
Insurance Navy and the Town of Cicero is hosting a food drive in the Cicero Community Park on 3400 S Laramie Ave Cicero, IL. The food drive will be on October 8, 2020 from 9 am- 12 pm.
“It’s important to remember that donated food is most helpful if it is both safe and high quality,” says Barbara Ingham, food safety specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Those attending will each receive 1 box containing non- perishables. The food drive will abide by the COVID-19 guidelines. Volunteers will hand over the boxes into participants’ vehicles as a way to avoid contact. Face masks will be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced.
Insurance Navy has been a part of the Cicero community for over 9 years and knows it is important to take care of those who are in need. For more information, please visit our website:
Athletico expands Telehealth for Physical and Occupational Therapy in response to COVID-19
PT Leader’s Patient-Centric Approach Allows Patients to Continue Therapy from Their Homes
With physical and occupational therapy services officially identified as “essential services” and part of the nation’s “critical infrastructure” by state and federal officials, Athletico Physical Therapy clinics remain open to ensure patients recovering from injuries can continue their treatments uninterrupted.
In addition, Athletico, which has an office in Cicero at 1621 S Cicero Avenue, announced it has expanded its telehealth offering for physical and occupational therapy to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities affected by COVID-19. While continuing to offer in-clinic appointments, Athletico will allow new and existing patients – who prefer to remain at home for their treatment sessions – the ability to connect with clinicians through a secure live internet video feed, in the comfort of their homes, through smartphones, tablets or home computers.
“The health and safety of all Athletico patients, employees and the communities in which we operate is our top priority,” said Ron Rodgers, CEO of Athletico Physical Therapy.
“Expanding Athletico’s telehealth offering ensures current patient treatments continue uninterrupted and that new patients can begin managing chronic pain or recovering from injury while practicing social distancing as advised by public health officials. Delaying treatment for these patients can not only interrupt the improvement that they’re experiencing but actually cause them to regress. That’s why we’re committed to doing everything we can to continue treating our patients as safely as possible, while also protecting our employees and local communities.”
Patients can schedule a telehealth appointment on Athletico’s website, by calling their local Athletico clinic or by calling 877-ATHLETICO (284-5384). When the virtual appointment takes place, a clinician from the patient’s local Athletico clinic will connect with the patient through Zoom’s video conference app or FaceTime if the patient has an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer.
Athletico clinicians have significant experience in both assessing injuries and providing treatment with telehealth technology. In 2019, Athletico was among the first PT providers to launch a telehealth offering, providing those suffering from injuries with free assessments.
In addition to providing expanded telehealth services, to ensure the safety of patients and employees, Athletico has taken several measures including additional screening procedures, enhanced cleaning practices and appropriate distancing of patients during treatment sessions.
About Athletico Physical Therapy Athletico Physical Therapy provides the highest quality orthopedic rehabilitation services to communities, employers and athletes in over 500 locations throughout twelve states with more than 5,000 employees. Athletico is committed to our patients and referring physicians through our patient-centric focus, positive work environment, attention to quality and high standard of care. Athletico measures patient outcomes and satisfaction and is dedicated to continuous improvement. Athletico was named #1 Workplace in Chicago, “Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation” by ADVANCE magazine, Top Workplace in the Nation and has been recognized as a leader in employee volunteering and charitable giving. Our services include physical and occupational/hand therapy, workers’ compensation, women’s health therapy, concussion management and athletic training. Athletico also has a telehealth offering for physical and occupational therapy that provides patients with the ability to connect with clinicians virtually through a live video feed from the comfort of their homes. For more information, visit www.athletico.com and follow us on Twitter at @athletico.
State officials outline services to Cicero Businesses
Officials from the State of Illinois offered details on the many programs that the state offers to local small businesses at a meeting of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce held in Cicero on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. More than 45 business leaders attended.
ENGLISH (SPANISH version below; Video of meeting below) Also view a video of the event below.
State officials detail programs available for business at Chamber meeting
Officials from the State of Illinois outlined several programs that local businesses may qualify for to help them be more successful during a meeting of the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce held on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020.
Speakers included Manuel Lopez, Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Joe McKeown from “Team RED,” and Pedro Pineda from the Illinois Central Management Office (CMS).
The event was organized by Cicero Town President Larry Dominick and was co-sponsored by State Rep. Lisa Hernandez.
Rosa Gaytan, administrative assistant to State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, addresses attendees. Seated are (from left) Pedro Pineda from the Illinois Central Management Office (CMS)., Manuel Lopez, Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Joe McKeown from “Team RED.” Photo courtesy of the Town of Cicero
“One program that is very helpful for small businesses provides capital investment loans that offer lower interest rates than what you might obtain from your local bank,” Lopez told the 45 business owners and representatives who attended the free meeting.
“All you have to do is reach out to us, and bring your company overview, a description of how many jobs you have and a projection of your capital investment data.”
Pineda explained that the State also provides certifications to businesses, large and small, to certify that they are women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and disabled-owned, categories that allow the state to provide additional resources and support.
State officials detail programs available to small businesses in Cicero. Photo courtesy of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
Businesses owned by women, the disabled, minorities or by veteran may qualify for contract award set-a-sides.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have enough veteran-owned businesses that are certified with the state. If you are a veteran-owned business, you should reach out to us and get certified to qualify for these contracts,” Pineda said.
Pineda said that “The state has set-asides specifically to help small businesses to succeed and to stay in their community. It’s only for small businesses.”
McKeown added that in most cases, the state can significantly reduce the interest rate that a business would pay for a loan.
“We can also help businesses when they need to meet with a bank to obtain assistance,” McKeown said.
They explained that the state also provides grants, although most are for infra-structure improvements.
The state provides a wide range of programs to help new businesses launch, provide certifications for Food Service Sanitation Managers, register to become a vendor among many other programs. Business owners can visit the state’s website at Illinois.gov/business for more information.
Ismael Vargas, the Town of Cicero Business License Director, also addressed the attendees explaining services and support the Town provides.
“It’s important that you reach out to us if you need assistance or information. We are there to help you,” Vargas said.
The new Cicero Chamber of Commerce was launched in November with support from Town President Larry Dominick and the Town’s business license department.
Meetings are scheduled each month and include on Wednesday, February 26 a program to connect business owners with editors and publishers of the local community news media to better understand how a business can promote its services and products.
On Tuesday, March 31, the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce will host a Job Fair to connect businesses that have job openings and who are hiring with residents who are seeking employment. Businesses will be given tables to meet and speak with community residents who are encouraged to bring their resumes.
For more information on Chamber activities visit the Chamber website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com. There, businesses can register online to receive information on all of the Chamber’s free programs and services.
SPANISH
Funcionarios estatales presentan los programas disponibles para los negocios en la reunión de la Cámara de Comercio
Los funcionarios del estado de Illinois describieron varios programas para los que las empresas locales pueden calificar, para ayudarlos a tener más éxito durante una reunión de la nueva Cámara de Comercio de Cicero celebrada el miércoles 29 de enero de 2020.
Los oradores incluyeron a Manuel López, Gerente de Desarrollo Económico Regional del Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas de Illinois, Joe McKeown del “Equipo RED” y Pedro Pineda de la Oficina Central de Administración de Illinois (CMS).
El evento fue organizado por el presidente de Cicero Larry Dominick y fue copatrocinado por la representante estatal Lisa Hernández.
“Un programa que es muy útil para las pequeñas empresas proporciona préstamos de inversión de capital que ofrecen tasas de interés más bajas que las que podría obtener de su banco local”, dijo López a los 45 propietarios y representantes de negocios que asistieron a la reunión gratuita.
“Todo lo que tiene que hacer es comunicarse con nosotros y brindar una visión general de su empresa, una descripción de cuántos trabajos tiene y una proyección de sus datos de inversión de capital”.
Pineda explicó que el Estado también proporciona certificaciones a empresas, grandes y pequeñas, para certificar que son propiedad de mujeres, minorías, veteranos y discapacitados, categorías que permiten al estado proporcionar recursos y apoyo adicionales.
Las empresas propiedad de mujeres, discapacitados, minorías o veteranos pueden calificar para la adjudicación de contratos.
“Desafortunadamente, no tenemos suficientes negocios de veteranos que estén certificados con el estado. Si usted es un veterano-dueño de negocio, debe comunicarse con nosotros y obtener la certificación para calificar para estos contratos”, dijo Pineda.
Pineda agrego que “el estado ha establecido apartados, específicamente para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a tener éxito y permanecer en su comunidad. Es solo para pequeñas empresas”.
McKeown agregó que en la mayoría de los casos, el estado puede reducir significativamente la tasa de interés que una empresa pagaría por un préstamo.
“También podemos ayudar a las empresas cuando necesiten reunirse con un banco para obtener asistencia”, dijo McKeown.
Explicaron que el estado también otorga subsidios, aunque la mayoría son para mejoras de infraestructura.
El estado ofrece una amplia gama de programas para ayudar al lanzamiento de nuevos negocios, proporcionar certificaciones para los Gerentes de Saneamiento del Servicio de Alimentos, registrarse para convertirse en proveedor entre muchos otros programas. Los dueños de negocios pueden visitar el sitio web del estado en Illinois.gov/business para obtener más información.
Ismael Vargas, el Director de Licencias Comerciales del Town of Cicero, también se dirigió a los asistentes explicando los servicios y el apoyo que brinda el municipio.
“Es importante que se comunique con nosotros si necesita ayuda o información. Estamos allí para ayudarlo”, dijo Vargas.
La nueva Cámara de Comercio de Cicero se lanzó el pasado mes de noviembre con el apoyo del presidente municipal, Larry Dominick y el Departamento de licencias comerciales de la ciudad de Cicero.
Las reuniones se programan cada mes e incluyen el miércoles 26 de febrero, un programa para conectar a los dueños de negocios con editores y el personal periodístico de los medios de comunicación de la comunidad local para comprender mejor cómo una empresa puede promocionar sus servicios y productos.
El martes 31 de marzo, la nueva Cámara de Comercio de Cicero organizará una Feria de Empleo para enlazar a las empresas que tienen vacantes de empleo y que quieran contratan a residentes que buscan trabajo. Las empresas recibirán mesas para reunirse y hablar con los residentes de la comunidad a quienes se les anima a traer sus currículums.
Para obtener más información sobre las actividades de la Cámara, visite el sitio web de la Cámara en www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com. Allí, las empresas pueden registrarse en línea para recibir información sobre todos los programas y servicios gratuitos de la Cámara.
Press Release: Chamber offers program to help businesses with State Programs
Chamber meeting Jan. 29, 2020 on State Programming.
ENGLISH VERSION
State Programs to Assist businesses
Guest Speaker will be Manuel (Manny) Lopez, the Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
The Town of Cicero, and State Rep. Lisa Hernandez will join the Cicero Chamber of Commerce in hosting a meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Avenue, beginning at 5 pm to discuss programs that the State of Illinois offers to the business community.
Our Guest Speaker will be Manuel (Manny) Lopez, the Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. He will discuss programs and services from the State of Illinois that are available to local businesses.
Lopez will also be joined by Joe McKeown from team RED, and Pedro Pineda from the CMS (Central Management Office) will also be accompanying addressing the meeting. Pineda speaks about the BEP (Business Enterprise Program) and the certification process and how it could be a benefit to small business owners.
Business License Director Ismael Vargas
“I’ve been with the state for 12 years. I started with Department of Human Services as a caseworker for 5 years then got promoted to CMS Department of Examining and Counseling where I worked for 4 and a half years and then moved to CMS Business Enterprise Program since 2018 where I’ve worked as the Outreach Coordinator. I graduated from Loyola University with a BA and attended Lewis University where I obtained my MBA. Long time South Side resident,” Pineda said.
Business License Director and Cicero Chaplain Ismael Vargas will also be present to answer questions about Cicero business requirements and needs at both meetings.
We will have guest speakers from the state of Illinois and the Illinois Legislature who will discuss how businesses can tap resources at the state level to achieve their business goals.
Watch for more details on this program which is free to our business members. Make sure to fill out the online membership form (free) so that you will be kept up to date about all of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce’s events.
Members must send an email and RSVP in order to attend the meetings. There is limited seating but we will try to accommodate all of the Chamber members. Please let us know if you will be attending by sending an email noting the meeting date and topic.
Cícero anuncia programas de ayuda financiera para negocios
Manuel (Manny) López, Administrador de Desarrollo Económico Regional del Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Financieras de Illinois, será el orador invitado en una presentación especial
El municipio de Cícero y la Representante estatal Lisa Hernández (D-24) se unieron a la ‘Cámara de Comercio de Cícero’ para realizar una reunión en que serán presentados y discutidos los diversos programas de ayuda financiera estatal que Illinois ofrece a los comerciantes y dueños de negocios. El seminario será el Miércoles 29 de enero de 2020, a las 5 de la tarde, en la Casa Comunal de Cícero (Cícero Community Center), 2250 S. 49th Avenue.
El orador invitado será Manuel (Manny) López, Administrador de la oficina de Desarrollo Económico Regional del ‘Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Financieras de Illinois’ quien hablará sobre los diversos programas y servicios financieros que Illinois ofrece a todos los negocios locales.
Entre tanto, el Director de Licencias Comerciales y Capellán de Cícero, Ismael Vargas, también estará listo en la reunión, para responder cualquier pregunta o inquietud sobre los requisitos de negocios en el municipio.
Así mismo, habrá panelistas invitados del estado de Illinois y de la Legislatura estatal que explicarán a los comerciantes la mejor manera de solicitar y aprovechar los recursos estatales disponibles que les ayudarán a lograr sus metas financieras comerciales.
Pedimos que estén pendientes de otros detalles sobre este útil programa, ofrecido totalmente GRATIS a todos los miembros de la Cámara de Comercio de Cícero / Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
Si desea convertirse en miembro y participar en los seminarios para aprovechar estos programas, asegúrese de llenar los formularios de membresía ofrecidos también GRATUITAMENTE en nuestro portal electrónico, en donde además le mantendremos al tanto de los futuros, informativos e interesantes eventos que estará organizando periódicamente la Cámara de Comercio de Cícero / Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
Los comerciantes miembros que planean asistir al evento, deben enviar un correo electrónico y responder a una reservación (RSVP). El cupo es limitado pero trataremos de acomodar a todos los miembros de la Cámara de Comercio que deseen participar. Por favor, si planea ser parte del seminario, envíe un correo electrónico dejando su nombre, el nombre de su negocio, además de la fecha y el tema del evento que le interesa.
Para más información visite nuestro portal de Internet:
Manny Lopez is the Regional Economic Development Manager for Cook County. As the newest member to join Team RED (Regional Economic Development) at DCEO, Manny helps businesses, communities, and workers learn about different State resources that are available to assist them.
Prior to joining team RED, Manny has worked in many different fields that included customer service and sales & operations. These roles have been spread over a career in companies that included Comcast, Colorado Technical University, and Enova Financial. A proud United States Navy veteran, Manny has served in Hawaii, the Persian Gulf and even lived in South Korea for two years.
Manny earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration on marketing from DeVry University. He is a family man who loves spending time with his children and is dedicated to helping people thrive in their everyday life.
Press Release: Cicero Chamber of Commerces Launches new chapter
More than 44 businesses, and 20 leaders from the Town of Cicero and community groups launched the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce during a dinner meeting at Langostinos Restaurant on Laramie Avenue in Cicero on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019.
The effort was led by Town President Larry Dominick who told the gathering that the business community needed to reorganize to re-establish a professional business networking association to become stronger and more successful.
“It’s very important for the businesses in Cicero to come together and network and work with the Town of Cicero. The Town wants our businesses to succeed and coming together through the Cicero Chamber of Commerce is the first step towards making that happen,” Dominick told the business leaders.
Town President Larry Dominick greeted each of the businesses that attended the Cicero Chamber of Commerce “Launch Meeting” on Wednesday Nov. 20, 2019.
“The Town of Cicero is here to help you and I am proud that we are able to help bring this organization together after a long absence.”
Dominick also reported on the continuing fight to make Cicero the safest community in the state, noting that the activities of street gangs continues to fall and how many of the street gangs that once were in Cicero have fled.
“When I came to office in 2005 there were more than 14 street gang related killings as well as many other acts of violence. Today, that has dropped significantly to one a year. And that is still unacceptable and we continue to work to achieve a total zero tolerance for street gang activity and presence,” Dominick said.
Speakers at the first “Launch Meeting” of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce included Ismael Vargas, the director of Business Licensing. Vargas spoke about the services that the Town of Cicero officers to help businesses. Speakers also included representatives to the Cic era Policer Department, including Captain of Police Mathew Ramirez and Detective Edgar Alba who discussed the increasing safety in the town and how businesses can make their retail efforts safer.
Also attending were Cicero Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, and State Rep. Lisa Hernandez who detailed state programs that are available to help businesses.
Organizers said the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce will meet monthly beginning in January after the holidays and will provide speakers who can help businesses to strengthen their sales, practices and achieve their goals. The chamber will also offer many other services including hosting a jobs fair to help them find qualified employees from within the community. The chamber will also help publicize and promote businesses by spotlighting them on the chamber’s new website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com. The website lists many of the services the new chamber hopes to provide.
Currently, there is no fee to join the chamber although the chamber’s interim board will at a later date set an affordable and appropriate membership fee to cover services and benefits. Membership in the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce is open to any retail business that has a business license from the Town of Cicero.
Formore information on upcoming meetings, topics and services visit the chamber’s website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com.
Chamber hosts gathering Wednesday Oct. 13 The Cicero Chamber of Commerce is inviting all licensed Cicero businesses to attend a “Meet & Greet” event with the new Interim Board of Directors on Wednesday, Oct. 13 beginning at 5 PM at the Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Avenue. The special guest speaker will be Ismael Vargas, Business License Department Director. Please RSVP with your name, business name, business address to Maru Ayala, by email at MaruAyala0@gmail.com (MaruAyala (zero) @ Gmail.com).
Aguilar offers info on “Back to Business” Grant Program As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s overall economic recovery strategy, the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The B2B grant program builds on the success of last year’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – an equity focused business relief program, which directed $290 million to 9,000 businesses in 98 communities across Illinois. B2B is a key component of the Governor’s $1.5 billion economic recovery plan, aimed toward a swift and equitable deployment of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been designated for Illinois to assist in recovery from the COVID pandemic. To assist small businesses with the B2B application process and other upcoming or ongoing economic recovery grant programs offered at the State or federal level. DCEO has invested $9 million in support of Community Navigator organizations working in every region of the state. These organizations will provide technical assistance to businesses, with a focus on underserved businesses including minority, rural, veteran and women-owned businesses. How to apply: Application Portal Now Open. Apply here! Applications can be tracked in real-time Check out the videos on how to fill out the application in English and Spanish Allies for Community Business (A4CB), DCEO’s grant administrator, is now accepting applications (create an account first and then select your language of choice) Learn about the information and documentation required Documentation required also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Documentation needed: Business owner ID (ITIN business owners eligible) Business’s 2019 AND 2020 Federal tax returns Two (2) business bank statements – one from the period April through December 2020, and most recent statement List of Frequently Asked Questions also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic If you have any questions regarding your Back to Business application process please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. District Office 7833 Ogden Avenue Lyons, IL 60534 (708)-447-5461 Downtown Office 118 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 603-4735
Cicero welcomes opening of new Jimmy Johns fast food restaurant Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop Opens in Cicero. New Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop at 3312 S Cicero Will Immediately Begin Serving Freaky Fast, Freaky Fresh® Sandwiches. New business Town President Larry Dominick Tuesday welcomed the official opening of the Jimmy John’s Sandwich shop at 3312 S. Cicero Avenue. The restaurant opened this week. “We are proud of the many new businesses and industries that have come to the Town of Cicero bringing not only great quality products from food to retail items,” President Dominick said Tuesday (August 31, 2021). “Not only do the many new businesses bring great products but they also bring new jobs for our residents, and contribute to the Town’s sales tax revenues which alleviates the tax burden on residents and business property. We are proud to welcome Jimmy Johns to the Town of Cicero and encourage residents to patronize the business and always shop local.” Here is the release from Jimmy Johns. CICERO, IL (August 31st, 2021) – A new Jimmy John’s sandwich shop located at 3312 S Cicero is now open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and ready to serve gourmet sandwiches to the people of Cicero. “This will be our first store in Cicero and our team is excited to serve fresh, fast and tasty sandwiches to a new set of customers in the area,” said owner Sal Abdallah. “Whether it’s in our new store, through contactless delivery or ordered through our Freaky Fast Rewards® loyalty program – our team is ready to serve even more guests on their terms in a way that only Jimmy John’s can deliver. Abdallah says he plans to hire around 25 employees. Anyone interested in applying can call or text 708.639.8282 or email afssubsllc@gmail.com. Founded in 1983., Jimmy John’s has built its reputation on serving up fast and fresh sandwiches in communities across the country and is one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S. with over 2,700 Jimmy John’s locations across 43 states. The new Jimmy John’s in Cicero will deliver sandwiches right to your door if you are inside the delivery area and offers convenient catering for any occasion. Customers can stop by the new location, call the store at 708.477.4949, or order online at online.jimmyjohns.com or through the Jimmy John’s mobile app.
Cicero Chamber Partners with Morton 201 Foundation to host Auction The Morton 201 Foundation, in partnership with the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a Support Local Online Auction to benefit our Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund from November 28 to December 4. Since 2019, the Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund has awarded 22 scholarships totaling $30,000. We want to keep that momentum going but we need your help to reach our fundraising goal of $25,000. We know that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone and the Morton 201 Foundation wants to help promote local businesses while raising money for scholarships. In exchange for your donation, businesses will be promoted on our online auction site, the Foundation’s website, social media platforms and included in all pre-auction promotional materials. Businesses will also be acknowledged on the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce websites and social media platforms. For more details or to make a donation, please contact Scott Goodman at 312-401-0527.
Back to Business Grant Program Overview As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s overall economic recovery strategy, the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. State Representative Lisa Hernandez and Town President Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero Board are supporting and promoting the program widely, and encourage local businesses to apply for the grant support. The B2B grant program builds on the success of last year’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – an equity focused business relief program, which directed $290 million to 9,000 businesses in 98 communities across Illinois. B2B is a key component of the Governor’s $1.5 billion economic recovery plan, aimed toward a swift and equitable deployment of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been designated for Illinois to assist in recovery from the COVID pandemic. To assist small businesses with the B2B application process and other upcoming or ongoing economic recovery grant programs offered at the State or federal level. DCEO has invested $9 million in support of Community Navigator organizations working in every region of the state. These organizations will provide technical assistance to businesses, with a focus on underserved businesses including minority, rural, veteran and women-owned businesses. Funding available: $250 million to small businesses across the state that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19, including the following set-asides. $100 million – Businesses located in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs). (See DIA Map below) $30 million – Arts and Entertainment businesses that didn’t receive Shuttered Venue Operators grants $25 million – Restaurants and taverns that didn’t receive the Restaurant Revitalization Fund $25 million – Hotels $25 million – Businesses that didn’t receive a BIG grant due to exhaustion of funds Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations/staff/overhead costs Up to $250,000 for hotels Eligibility requirements: Businesses with revenues of $20 million or less in 2019 and a reduction in revenue in 2020 due to COVID-19 $35 million or less for hotels Priority will be given to the following categories: Hard-hit industries (see eligibility guidelines for a full list of priority industries and their definitions) Hard-hit areas – DIAs comprising of 176 zip codes Businesses who have yet to qualify for state funding or federal assistance (including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), business Interruption Grant (BIG), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and more) Businesses that had less than $5 million in revenue in 2019 Learn about eligibility guidelines Eligibility guidelines also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Upon receiving an award, all grantees will need to sign the program Certification Agreement. How to apply: Application Portal Now Open Applications can be tracked in real-time Allies for Community Business (A4CB), DCEO’s grant administrator, is now accepting applications (create an account first and then select your language of choice) Learn about the information and documentation required Documentation required also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Documentation needed: Business owner ID (ITIN business owners eligible) Business’s 2019 AND 2020 Federal tax returns Two (2) business bank statements – one from the period April through December 2020, and most recent statement List of Frequently Asked Questions also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Need help? Application assistance and webinars Over 100 community navigators providing 1:1 regional support service for small businesses. Find your community outreach partner including navigators, SBDCs, as well as DCEO Support Teams with the B2B search tool or view the list by name, county, or language service. View recordings of past webinars: 8/13/2021 8/13/2021 (Spanish) 8/17/2021 8/19/2021
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
WATCH FOR NEWS and UPDATES on the CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC … SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THIS CRISIS —
Cicero welcomes opening of new Jimmy Johns fast food restaurant Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop Opens in Cicero. New Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop at 3312 S Cicero …
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27 The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives …
LIKE our Facebook Page
Follow us on Twitter