Business Tools Discover a variety of tools, workshops, and opportunities offered by the City of Chicago and the 30th Ward. Stay tuned for upcoming updates and ways to get involved! The Portage Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a "Get To Know Your New SSA 2 Sole Service Provider" Meet and Greet at El Capitan Coffee & Snacks on Tuesday, March 24th, from 4pm - 6pm for the businesses located within SSA. The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) accepts grant applications each month in various TIF districts across Chicago. Eligible businesses must submit their application during the month-long application window for their TIF district to qualify for funding. To find out if and when SBIF grants are available for your business, search the address on the eligibility page . Workforce Solutions Program The City of Chicago provides financial assistance for job training through the Workforce Solutions program managed by the Department of Planning and Development. The program subsidizes training for incumbent workers and new hires for qualified Chicago businesses. Workforce Solutions reimbursement grants are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and proceeds from the 2025 Housing and Economic Development Bond. Reimbursement grants up to $250,000 may fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid. The program is administered by Employment and Employer Services on behalf of the City of Chicago. BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free program for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in Chicago to gain knowledge across various essential business topics. Since the program launched, more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have successfully completed the program. All Program graduates, who meet criteria and are based in Chicagoland, are eligible to apply for: the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP’s partner, CIBC Bank USA . college credit with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Read more . Check out these resources, created in collaboration with Northwest Side Community Development Corporation. From the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events: Calling all local growers and artisans! 🌿 Be a part of the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets season — running May through October across the city. We’re looking for passionate producers and creators of handmade and natural goods to join our community of vendors. Showcase your craft, connect with your neighbors, and grow your business! Apply now to secure your spot — the deadline is Friday, January 30! 👉chicagofarmersmarkets.us We’re excited to share that our office is co-hosting the Northwest Side Job Fair on Friday, December 5th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Kilbourn Park - 3501 N Kilbourn Ave. This event is hosted by State Rep. Will Guzzardi and co-hosted by Ald. Ruth Cruz, State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The Job Fair will feature employers from the government, nonprofit, and private sectors, along with community organizations offering interview coaching, résumé help, and CV reviews — all to help folks prepare for new opportunities. If you are an employer or organization interested in tabling, please register here . Thanks for helping us spread the word and connect our community with great opportunities! The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for new concession opportunities for 2026, which presents a substantial opportunity for small businesses. Key Dates: Application Due Date: Friday, November 21, 2025, at 3:00PM Recommendation of Award: February 2026 Concession operations ready for 2026 concession season: Memorial Day Weekend 2026 Small Business Improvement Grant 📣 Calling All Avondale Business Owners! Do you own or operate a commercial or industrial property in Avondale that needs repair or improvements? You may qualify for a Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant from the City of Chicago. What is it? The SBIF program offers grants to help cover costs for façade repairs, roof repair, doors/windows, signage, and other eligible improvements. It’s meant to help small businesses maintain and enhance their properties. Why apply? Offset repair or upgrade costs Improve curb appeal Increase the safety and value of your property Support long-term business growth How to get started: Visit the official SBIF page to review eligibility, guidelines, and application instructions. Gather required documents (property info, cost estimates, permits, etc.). Complete and submit the application by the deadline. More info & application link: City of Chicago — SBIF

Ruth Cruz 30th Ward Alderwoman Stay connected! Click here to subscribe to the 30th Ward newsletter. Welcome! Welcome to the website of 30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz. Find our office information here, learn about city services here, and subscribe here for newsletter updates. (And explore our website further via the menu at the top or the links below.) Not sure if you live in the 30th Ward? Check your address here . Latest News and Information Alderwoman Cruz is fighting for better conditions and leadership at the City's animal shelter: Nominee to lead Chicago animal control draws critics and defenders ahead of confirmation vote (3/10/2026) City Animal Shelter Chief’s Appointment Clears Key Committee Despite Pushback (3/10/2026) Alders advance mayor's pick to run Chicago's animal shelter (3/10/2026) Animal Control Boss Defends Record As Volunteers, Alders Sound Alarm Over Euthanasias, Conditions (3/5/2026) Mayor names new head of Animal Care and Control amid shelter backlash: 'Very concerning' (2/26/2026) Mayor stands by CACC director appointment amid concerns over shelter conditions (2/26/2026) Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city's Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter (2/26/2026) Mayor Defends City Animal Shelter Leader Amid Pushback From Alderpeople, Advocates (2/26/2026) City Animal Shelter Needs New Chief Amid ‘Concerning’ Conditions, Alderpeople And Volunteers Say (2/20/2026) Explore our site About Us Policy & Issues Contact Us City Services Resources Zoning, Planning & Development News & Events Follow us on social media!

< Back Animal Control Boss Defends Record As Volunteers, Alders Sound Alarm Over Euthanasias, Conditions Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Mar 5, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/05/animal-control-boss-defends-record-as-volunteers-alders-sound-alarm-over-euthanasias-conditions/ Previous Next

< Back Animal Control director appointment approved by health and human relations committee despite some organizations’ concerns The Daily Line Michael McDevitt Mar 11, 2026 https://www.thedailyline.com/chicago-city-council-health-human-relations-committee-recap-march-2026-animal-control-director-susan-cappello-appointment-approved-despite-group-organization-concerns-alderwoman-ruth-cruz Ald. Ruth Cruz (30), the sole no vote on the committee and the co-leader of the aldermanic letter calling for a national search, grilled Cappello and argued she should have worked to fix issues sooner. “You … have been there for three years,” Cruz said. “What have you been doing those past three years?” Previous Next

In the News Mar 11, 2026 Animal Control director appointment approved by health and human relations committee despite some organizations’ concerns https://www.thedailyline.com/chicago-city-council-health-human-relations-committee-recap-march-2026-animal-control-director-susan-cappello-appointment-approved-despite-group-organization-concerns-alderwoman-ruth-cruz The Daily Line Michael McDevitt Read More Mar 10, 2026 Nominee to lead Chicago animal control draws critics and defenders ahead of confirmation vote https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/10/chicago-animal-control-susan-cappello/?share=6n1actaipwswtaw6bgoa Chicago Tribune Jerry Wu Read More Mar 10, 2026 City Animal Shelter Chief’s Appointment Clears Key Committee Despite Pushback https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/10/city-animal-shelter-chiefs-appointment-clears-key-committee-despite-pushback/ Block Club Chicago Quinn Myers Read More Mar 10, 2026 Alders advance mayor's pick to run Chicago's animal shelter https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/alders-advance-mayors-pick-to-run-chicagos-animal-shelter WBBM Newsradio Geoff Buchholz Read More Mar 5, 2026 Animal Control Boss Defends Record As Volunteers, Alders Sound Alarm Over Euthanasias, Conditions https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/05/animal-control-boss-defends-record-as-volunteers-alders-sound-alarm-over-euthanasias-conditions/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Feb 26, 2026 VIDEO: Mayor names new head of Animal Care and Control amid shelter backlash: 'Very concerning' https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-1jdag69wxu42s5ky Fox 32 Chicago Read More Feb 25, 2026 Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city's Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/25/mayor-brandon-johnson-animal-care-and-control-susan-cappello Chicago Sun-Times Fran Spielman Read More Feb 26, 2026 Mayor Defends City Animal Shelter Leader Amid Pushback From Alderpeople, Advocates https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/26/mayor-defends-city-animal-shelter-leader-amid-pushback-from-alderpeople-advocates/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Feb 20, 2026 City Animal Shelter Needs New Chief Amid ‘Concerning’ Conditions, Alderpeople And Volunteers Say https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/20/city-animal-shelter-needs-new-chief-amid-concerning-conditions-alderpeople-and-volunteers-say/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Mar 6, 2026 “Bikeway Hearing Parking Lot”: Talking with folks from the massive crowd outside and inside the Portage Park Neighborhood Bike Network meeting https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/03/06/bikeway-hearing-parking-lot-talking-with-folks-from-the-massive-crowd-outside-and-inside-the-portage-park-neighborhood-bike-network-meeting Streetsblog Chicago John Greenfield Read More Dec 19, 2025 Aldermen pass 2026 spending plan including debt sale over opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/aldermen-pass-2026-spending-plan-including-debt-sale-over-mayor-brandon-johnsons-opposition/ Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Read More Dec 17, 2025 Where Does Your Alderperson Stand On ICE? We Checked All 50 https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/17/where-does-your-alderperson-stand-on-ice-we-checked-all-50/ Block Club Chicago Grace Del Vecchio, Jerrel Floyd and Sophia Kalakailo, City Bureau Read More Dec 17, 2025 Mayor Brandon Johnson enters final budget stretch with diminishing options https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/mayor-brandon-johnson-final-budget-stretch-diminishing-options/ Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Read More Dec 15, 2025 Mayor Brandon Johnson’s organizer roots at fore as he courts progressives in budget fight https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/mayor-brandon-johnson-organizer-roots-progressives-budget-fight/ Chicago Tribune Jake Sheridan and Alice Yin Read More Nov 11, 2025 Stop Sign Installed At Dangerous Northwest Side Intersection After Years Of Complaints https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/11/stop-sign-installed-at-dangerous-northwest-side-intersection-after-years-of-complaints/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Oct 31, 2025 Feds say immigration blitz continues amid Halloween festivities https://chicago.suntimes.com/public-safety/2025/10/31/feds-say-immigration-blitz-will-continue-amid-halloween-festivities Chicago Sun-Times Anna Savchenko | WBEZ and Mariah Rush Read More Oct 31, 2025 Chicagoland neighbors pull together to grapple with Halloween ICE fears and SNAP cuts https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/31/halloween-chicago-immigration-snap-benefits/ Chicago Tribune Tess Kenny Read More Oct 29, 2025 How Chicagoans Are Helping Kids Have A Safe — And ICE-Free — Halloween This Year https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/29/how-chicagoans-are-helping-kids-have-a-safe-and-ice-free-halloween-this-year/ Block Club Chicago Leen Yassine Read More Oct 26, 2025 Northwest Siders confront ICE agents firing tear gas; Halloween parade canceled https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/26/northwest-side-ice-arrests-tear-gas Chicago Sun-Times Violet Miller Read More Sep 24, 2025 Chicago cop gets street named in honor of Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins https://chicago.suntimes.com/architecture-design/2025/09/24/chicago-cop-schurz-prairie-school-architect-dwight-perkins-street Chicago Sun-Times Lee Bey Read More Sep 2, 2025 Storytime con Yuyo Podcast - Ruth Cruz Concejala De Distrito 30! Ep. 29 (Youtube) https://youtu.be/gLgwUWH72Ec?si=PnyRbw2dU-JvvCYO Storytimeconyuyo (YouTube) - Read More Aug 29, 2025 Pedestrian Safety Upgrades Along Dangerous Portage Park Stretch An ‘Instant’ Success, Locals Say https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/29/pedestrian-safety-upgrades-along-dangerous-portage-park-stretch-an-instant-success-locals-say/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Aug 15, 2025 Grayland Metra Station Back Open After Years Of Construction https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/15/grayland-metra-station-back-open-after-years-of-construction/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Jul 29, 2025 New bike route links Belmont Cragin and Portage Park after death of 16-year-old cyclist https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2025/07/29/long-avenue-greenway-joshua-anleu Chicago Sun-Times David Struett Read More Apr 24, 2025 Aldermen spurning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new budget working group: ‘It points to a larger problem’ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/24/aldermen-mayor-brandon-johnson-new-budget-working-group/?share=cayc0know02ecny4rgwj Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Read More Feb 19, 2025 ‘Car Flippers’ Gobbling Up Street Parking Spots Could Face Crackdown https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/19/crackdown-could-be-coming-for-unlicensed-car-sellers-taking-over-public-parking-spots/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More Feb 19, 2025 Today, Alderwoman Ruth Cruz, Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez and myself passed an ordinance to make our streets safer and give back more parking spaces to residents across the city! (40th Ward Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1738400030432495 Alderperson Andre Vvasquez, 40th Ward Chicago - Read More Oct 30, 2024 Avondale’s Polish History Honored With Heritage Corridor On Milwaukee Avenue https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/30/avondales-polish-history-honored-with-heritage-corridor-on-milwaukee-avenue/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More Oct 25, 2024 Federal immigration agents deploy tear gas on Northwest Side streets as Chicagoans bellow, ‘Get out of our city!’ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/25/chicago-tear-gas-irving-park/ Chicago Tribune Kate Perez, Alice Yin, Gregory Royal Pratt, and Stacey Wescott Read More Oct 7, 2024 Reinberg Elementary School Holds Peace Rally After Loss Of Two Young Students, Online Threat https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/07/portage-park-elementary-school-holds-peace-rally-after-loss-of-two-young-students-online-threat/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Sep 18, 2024 Anti-Gentrification Ordinance To Protect Northwest Side Housing OK’d By City Council https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/09/18/anti-gentrification-ordinance-to-protect-northwest-side-housing-okd-by-city-council/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli and Melody Mercado Read More Aug 27, 2024 How Should The 30th Ward Spend $1 Million? Portage Park Neighbors Can Submit Ideas https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/08/27/how-should-the-30th-ward-spend-1-million-portage-park-neighbors-can-submit-ideas/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Aug 1, 2024 Creating Opportunities For Chicago’s Youth (WGN) https://wgntv.com/spotlight-chicago/creating-opportunities-for-chicagos-youth/ WGN TV - Read More Jul 17, 2024 Anti-Gentrification Ordinance Could Be Expanded To More Of The Northwest Side And Made Permanent https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/17/anti-gentrification-ordinance-could-be-expanded-to-more-of-the-northwest-side-and-made-permanent/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More Jul 17, 2024 Northwest Side Alderwoman Calls For Hearing On Metra Construction Delays https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/17/northwest-side-alderwoman-calls-for-hearing-on-metra-construction-delays/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Apr 5, 2024 300 migrants to be housed at shuttered Catholic church on Northwest Side https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2024/04/05/chicago-migrant-crisis-st-bartholomew-shelter-archdiocese-zakat-mayor-brandon-johnson Chicago Sun-Times Cindy Hernandez Read More Dec 18, 2023 Meeting held about proposed migrant shelter on Northwest Side (WGN) https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/meeting-held-about-proposed-migrant-shelter-on-northwest-side/ WGN TV - Read More Nov 21, 2023 Josh Anleu Ghost Bike Vigil | Chicago 30th Ward Alder Ruth Cruz (Youtube) https://youtu.be/epNcBqPaSUE?si=cOCN0tT9Ob8jQ9e0 Bike Lane Uprising (YouTube) - Read More Nov 6, 2023 At Vigil For 16-Year-Old Cyclist Josh Anleu, Family Urges Drivers To ‘Do Better’ https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/06/at-vigil-for-16-year-old-cyclist-family-urges-drivers-to-be-better/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More Jul 31, 2023 Festival Re:SET: organizadores y comunidad discuten la celebración del evento en Belmont Cragin (Univision Youtube) https://youtu.be/JMP-aNJqGNU?si=qnnwBR39DLSBhaA1 N+ Univision Chicago (YouTube) - Read More Jun 8, 2023 Re:SET Music Festival Is In 2 Weeks — And The Park District Won’t Say If The Shows Will Actually Happen https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/06/08/reset-music-festival-is-in-2-weeks-and-the-park-district-still-wont-say-if-the-shows-will-actually-happen/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More May 10, 2023 Ruth Cruz Grew Up As A Young Immigrant During The Bulls Dynasty. Now, She’s Leading The 30th Ward https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/10/ruth-cruz-grew-up-as-a-young-immigrant-during-the-bulls-dynasty-now-shes-leading-the-30th-ward/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More

< Back City Animal Shelter Chief’s Appointment Clears Key Committee Despite Pushback Block Club Chicago Quinn Myers Mar 10, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/10/city-animal-shelter-chiefs-appointment-clears-key-committee-despite-pushback/ Previous Next

< Back Nominee to lead Chicago animal control draws critics and defenders ahead of confirmation vote Chicago Tribune Jerry Wu Mar 10, 2026 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/10/chicago-animal-control-susan-cappello/?share=6n1actaipwswtaw6bgoa Previous Next

< Back VIDEO: Mayor names new head of Animal Care and Control amid shelter backlash: 'Very concerning' Fox 32 Chicago Feb 26, 2026 https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-1jdag69wxu42s5ky Previous Next

< Back Alders advance mayor's pick to run Chicago's animal shelter WBBM Newsradio Geoff Buchholz Mar 10, 2026 https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/alders-advance-mayors-pick-to-run-chicagos-animal-shelter Previous Next

< Back Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city's Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter Chicago Sun-Times Fran Spielman Feb 25, 2026 https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/25/mayor-brandon-johnson-animal-care-and-control-susan-cappello Previous Next

< Back Mayor Defends City Animal Shelter Leader Amid Pushback From Alderpeople, Advocates Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Feb 26, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/26/mayor-defends-city-animal-shelter-leader-amid-pushback-from-alderpeople-advocates/ Previous Next

< Back City Animal Shelter Needs New Chief Amid ‘Concerning’ Conditions, Alderpeople And Volunteers Say Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Feb 20, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/20/city-animal-shelter-needs-new-chief-amid-concerning-conditions-alderpeople-and-volunteers-say/ Previous Next