Marketing
Marketing and promoting businesses located within the SSA #69 boundaries is one of our primary goals. Local business owners can participate in various workshops on marketing and business topics and programs designed to enhance their business and curbside presence.
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We encourage you to contact our office and learn more about our business programs and services. We look forward to working with you to promote your business and highlight the Ashland business corridor.
Maintenance and Beautification
Maintaining a clean and inviting Business District not only encourage residents and local businesses to participate in area beautification but also helps to instill community pride.
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Debris Removal and Landscaping
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CleanSlate (a Cara Program) and Urban Green Team are our partners for debris removal. Each company provides needed services and job opportunities for area residents as well as for individuals who need a second chance in the workforce . They provide regularly scheduled, weekly cleaning services throughout our Special Service Area helping to ensure a clean and inviting business district for area residents and local business customers
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The Urban Green Team also provides landscaping services such as weeding, mulching, and greening services for over 30 blocks of space located within the Business District. They make sure the trees, grasses, and shrubs are maintained to ensure area beautification.
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Holiday Signage and Decorations Program
Festive banners, holiday signs and pole decorations blanket the Ashland Business district during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. These festive displays are visible throughout the area starting on 80th Ashland through 95th and Ashland reinforcing the spirit of the holiday season for area residents and shoppers
Economic Development
SSA #69 has been involved in the economic development and growth of the Ashland Business district since it's inception in 2015. Our activities are currently focused on our "Build on Ashland" program initiative which is designed to generate economic growth and bring jobs and new businesses to our business corridor.
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Our goal is to attract business and retail sectors including small business owners, budding entrepreneurs, restaurants, medical professionals, big box stores as well as not-for-profit agencies seeking to provide value-added services to our community.
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SSA#69 also works in conjunction with community partners and local government officials to make sure residents and community needs are addressed and met. An important part of our service is to help create site plans for expansion projects that would promote investment and/or development of vacant land within the Ashland Business corridor and enhance residential and community needs.
SSA#69 provides many other business initiatives throughout the year.
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Summer Food Licensing Class
Each year, in preparation for the annual 79th Street festival, SSA#69 hosts a summer Food Certification Program. The 2018 certification class will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2018 and is provided at NO COST for FOOD VENDORS located within SSA#69 Business District.
The Summer Food Certification program is a 3-hour training session covering food prep, handling, storage, and safety. Vendors who register and complete the class will receive a Summer Food Certificate that will provide them with the necessary credentials to sell food at any outdoor venue for the next twelve months. Please call to register or inquire about additional information the if you are interested in attending the class.
Business Breakfast and Workshops
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SSA#69 hosts business workshops designed to help business owners learn about important compliance and regulatory forms or changes affecting businesses within the City of Chicago. Representatives from our office or the City of Chicago departments present information on various topics like: Signage and Permits, Applying for Government Programs, TIF and SBIF, Facade Enhancement, and other important resources available for business owners. Breakfast and/or a light snack will be provided by a local business. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Please check out our website calendar for specific dates and locations; or contact us directly at 773- 723-6077 for more information