Chinatown

As a not-for-profit organization, Near South Planning Board aims to promote businesses by leveraging connections and creating collaborations within the surrounding area via marketing, outreach, branding and special events.

Our mission is to plan, guide and encourage a program of development for the near south area while creating, supporting and promoting a thriving business district. 

Your support allows us to create a cohesive awareness that promotes a South Loop hospitality experience; develop the economic, physical and cultural resources of the area; stimulate and coordinate plans with the city, business leaders, community & civic groups and individuals for the improvement of the area; and allows us to promote the Near South as a safe and desirable area for commercial, retail, institutional, residential and open space development.

See below for specific added value Near South Planning Board may bring to your business as a member.

Business Assistance

Need assistance? Business licenses, permits, zoning, business referrals, marketing, flyers (graphic design), events, meetings, streets & traffic/parking and neighborhood concerns, community outreach, job postings, or other business-related services.

City Connections

As a delegate agency of the City of Chicago, Near South Planning Board has direct access to key leaders at city hall and the police department and may connect you to appropriate individuals in the following City departments: Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP), Landmarks, Planning & Development, Zoning, and the 3rd, 4th, 11th, and 25th ward offices.

Committees

Expand your network horizon by serving on committees where discussions focus on new developments & proposals, neighborhood issues, marketing opportunities, business collaboration, fundraising, and program development.  Our current groups include: Project Review, Businesses  & Retail, Membership, South Loop Hospitality, Harold Washington Literary Dinner,  and Programs/Speakers Series.

Networking

Opportunity to meet the Aldermen; city representatives; business, educational, and civic leaders; developers and residents in more intimate settings, such as quarterly meetings, after hours social events, and the literary gala.  Many partnerships are formed when NSPB brings businesses together.

Marketing Opportunities

Promote your businesses during the Lit Fest at NSPB’s member booths, Network After Hours, Culinary Crawl, community engagement sessions and other NSPB functions. Receive discounted rates to advertise in NSPB’s website.  Expand your reach through NSPB’s E-Newsletter and Social Media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn).

Programs

Be kept up-to-date on neighborhood issues, new developments, proposals, expansion plans, new businesses and meet key governmental leaders at Quarterly Programs

Referrals

NSPB constantly refers individuals in search of products and services directly to Near South Planning Board members.  B-to-B connections are frequently made through member meetings and social gatherings.

Vacant Space

Vacant Space Availability Database: NSPB maintains a list of properties with space available for lease or sale which is shared with the City and interested investors