SBIF GRAM - Upcoming Events & More
Building Renovation Grants - Up to $150,000
In This Issue
SBIF Public Info Meetings
Green Ideas, Energy and Money Savers, Guest Post
Featured Project, Lincoln Square, Garcia's Restaurant
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
SBIF Director
Derek Walvoord
Derek
Please call or email Derek if you have any questions about SBIF
312-360-3319
dwalvoord@somercor.com
email
 

SBIF Director
John Paulun


John Paulun

312-360-3305
jpaulun@somercor.com
email


SBIF Assistant Director
Silvia Sanchez


312-360-3334
ssanchez@somercor.com
email

SBIF Assistant Director
Kelly Collings


312-360-3329
kcolling@somercor.com
email

Greetings!

What is SBIF?  The SBIF (Small Business Improvement Fund) is a City of Chicago TIF-based grant program designed to assist with building renovation.  Applicants may receive grants of up to  $150,000, with up to 75% of their rehab costs rebated.  SBIF can fund interior and exterior permanent renovation projects for buildings located in certain City of Chicago TIF districts. These are grants, not loans, and do not have to be repaid.  The applicant can own the building or be a tenant.

In addition, the City continues to refund and add new SBIF Districts! And, we have new rules for 2010!  The income and asset amounts have been increased, and the percentage amounts have been expanded! 

Garcia's Exterior Before            Garcia's Exterior After

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Public Meetings - Come hear our presentation to learn more about the SBIF Program!

Northwest Industrial - $750K release

Meeting to be held at:
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave
February 16, 9:00 AM


Midway Industrial - $500K release

Meeting to be held at:
Skolnik Industries, Inc
4900 S. Kilbourn

February 18, 10:00 AM


35th/Halsted - $500K release


Meeting to be held at:
Valentine's Girls & Boys Club
3400 S. Emerald
February 19, 9:00

Guest Post:
Agentis Energy, John Lux
How to save money on energy

AGENTIS ENERGY is a Smart Grid technology company focused on helping high-density energy users reduce electricity costs, drive efficiency, and manage carbon.   Located in the west suburbs of Chicago, Agentis assists its customers to shave demand charges, improve efficiency, and select optimal rate and pricing structures.  The company offers the Acuity Energy Platform to deliver customers opportunities for savings through a near real-time web-based energy management tool.

Agentis1

By understanding how the electric bill works, receiving alerts, and making minor changes, large consumers of energy can expect to save thousands of dollars while doing the same amount of work.  Additional savings are often available through energy efficiency measures (using less and using at the right time) and participation in curtailment opportunities.  We realize there is rarely one person at a company responsible for managing energy.  Agentis wants to fill that void and serve as your businesses Chief Energy Officer.


Agentis3

Comment from Derek Walvoord:  I met with John Lux from Agentis, and this system seems like a smart way to both save money and be more energy efficient. 


We are going to start allowing guest writers to post pertinent information to our constituents about ways to either save money, be more green, or improve their businesses. . . other than SBIF, of course.

Featured Project, Garcia's Restaurant in Lincoln Square

Garcia's Restaurant, a staple in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, used a SBIF Grant to expand their restaurant .  They expanded their footprint by taking over the space next door, gut rehabbed the entire interior, and redid their their facades.  They did a great job!

Garcia's Before:
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Garcia's Now:
Garcia's3

Garcia's Outside:

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Thanks for looking at our E-Newsletter.  Please tell your friends, coworkers, acquaintances, or anyone that might be interested in our exciting grant program.  We rely on you to let others know about the program.  And, as always, please feel free to contact any of our SBIF team. 

Derek, 312-360-3319, dwalvoord@somercor.com
John, 312-360-3305, jpaulun@somercor.com
Kelly, 312-360-3329, kcollings@somercor.com
Silvia,312-360-3334, ssanchez@somercor.com

Call to find out if your business is in a SBIF District or to see if you would qualify.
 
Sincerely,

Derek Walvoord, John Paulun, Kelly Collings, and Silvia Sanchez, the SBIF Team