Amplifying the heartbeat, value, and vitality of Auburn Gresham

The Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation and its Auburn Gresham Portal express the community’s voice, connect residents to essential resources, and empower local businesses. Together, they help amplify the heartbeat, value, and vitality of Auburn Gresham and Chicago’s South Side.

Auburn Gresham has a strong ecosystem of business support, with the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) leading the charge. GAGDC acts as a business resource hub, helping local entrepreneurs launch, grow, or stabilize their ventures. They offer services like:

  • Business readiness assessments and access to capital
  • Security and façade improvement grants
  • Networking events and workshops through their “Business University”
  • Site selection tools and connections to city programs like TIFs and SBIFs

Today, Auburn Gresham is undergoing a thoughtful revitalization. It’s one of the ten priority neighborhoods in the city’s INVEST South/West initiative, which is channeling public and private investment into commercial corridors like 79th Street and Ashland Avenue. Projects like the Evergreen Imagine mixed-use development are bringing affordable housing, local businesses, and public art to the area.

While not a physical development, their annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival event showcases the communities entrepreneurial and cultural vibrancy. It’s a key platform for small businesses and local talent.

Serving digital heartbeat for Auburn Gresham the portal:

  • Centralizes Information: From health services to job fairs, the portal keeps residents informed about events, programs, and opportunities in real time.
  • Promotes Local Business: It highlights neighborhood entrepreneurs and provides updates on grants, façade improvements, and networking events.
  • Builds Community Identity: Through storytelling, event coverage, and initiatives like the Quality of Life Plan, it fosters pride and cohesion.
  • Supports Digital Inclusion: As part of the Smart Communities initiative, it helps bridge the digital divide by making tech resources and training more accessible.

To learn more about the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation visit gagdc.org