Business Resources
Morton Grove is committed to supporting its business community with clear information and easy access to essential resources.
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Since 2014, the Village has offered façade improvement grants for all commercial properties in the Village. The program seeks to revitalize the commercial districts by encouraging investment through public/private partnership. This grant can be used to improve the exterior storefront and signage of commercial buildings. You can download program guidelines using the link below:
2026 Commercial Facade Improvement Program Guidelines & Application
How does this program benefit the larger community?
Communities implement a facade program to help create a more dynamic atmosphere for customers and the broader community by assisting businesses and property owners in revitalizing their building storefronts. This type of program enhances the appearance of a commercial district and helps attract new customers. It also acts as a tool to attract new businesses while supporting existing businesses, enhancing property apperance and value, improving community aesthetics, and creating a better experience for customers. Visually appealing storefronts contribute positively to the streetscape and help create a more walkable and pedestrian-scale environment for the community.
How does the program work?
The program is a matching grant program for all Morton Grove businesses and commercial property owners. For businesses and property owners in a general commercial district, the maximum project grant award is $10,000. For businesses and property owners located in a TIF District, the maximum project grant award is $15,000 for rehab work and $10,000 for new construction.
Are you ready to apply?
If your business is prepared to partner with the Village:
- Contact the Department of Community and Economic Development at 847-663-3063 or by email at commdev@mortongroveil.org to determine if your proposed improvements qualify for a grant award.
- Review and complete the Program Guidelines & Application. The guidelines provide a detailed explanation of the project requirements, eligibility, and grant distribution.
- Submit your complete application to:
Village Hall
attn: Department of Community and Economic Development
6101 Capulina Avenue
Morton Grove, IL
or to commdev@mortongroveil.org - Read, complete, and sign a participation agreement provided by the Village.
Awarded Facade Improvement Projects
The Village is proud to have partnered with businesses that are investing in their long-term success in Morton Grove. Equipment International and State Farm both renovated their storefronts with new signs and siding to increase the curb appeal of their business.
- Lavitt Animal Hospital (8541 Ferris Avenue) updated the building’s exterior in 2022 by removing a deteriorated carport and overhang, rebuilding the gable roof, and restoring existing masonry (before and after below).
- Burt’s Place (8541 Ferris Avenue) was awarded grant assistance in 2021 to replace aged and damaged siding with James Hardie plank siding. Windows and doors were also repaired and painted.
- Tommy’s on Waukegan (9005 Waukegan Road) was awarded grant assistance in 2020 to install new siding and trim, and replace older awnings.
- Equipment International (8778 Ferris Avenue) completely updated the exterior of the building when they relocated laundry equipment business from Skokie. The work included replacement of the siding, new signage, and cleaning and tuck-pointing of the existing masonry (before and after below).
- Matt Mitchell’s State Farm Agency (9140 Waukegan Road) was awarded funding through the program for improvements to the exterior of the existing office building. Improvements included removal of the old awning, installation of new signage, replacement of existing siding, and painting of the existing masonry (before and after below).
The Legacy Restaurant Assistance Program was established to recognize Morton Grove restaurants that have operated continuously and under common ownership for more than 30 years. Designated Legacy Restaurants are eligible to receive one (1) of the following economic incentives:
- Façade Improvement Grant: A one-time grant of up to $5,000 through the Village’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program for eligible improvements. The 50% matching requirement is waived for this one-time grant.
- E-V Restaurant and Video Gaming License: A Legacy Restaurant with an active Class E License as of the effective date of Resolution 24-37 is eligible to receive a Class E-V License (pursuant to Sections 4-6D-8:A.8 and 4-6D-14:A of the Morton Grove Municipal Code).
Legacy Restaurant Assistance Program Guidelines & Application
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Oakton College can help you at any stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Members of our diverse network of business experts provide no-cost and confidential business advising to Illinois entrepreneurs. Whether you want to brainstorm ideas, are seeking to turn a hobby into a business, or have an existing small business you hope to grow or evolve, we’re here to help. Services include:
- Assistance with business planning
- Financial projections
- Marketing strategies, and
- Accessing capital.
The Source’s business advising program provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising facilitated by trusted advisors from our network of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) located throughout Cook County. The Source matches business owners with an advisor who provides the expertise needed to help advance small business owners to the next level.