The Little Black Pearl Workshop and its restaurant, Carver 47, and what aims to be the first Black female-owned makers’ space on the South Side, the Urban Market Exchange in Woodlawn, both won Community Development Grants the city gave out this summer.
This year the city is providing $50 million in total grant funding to help pay for workplace improvements involving renovations, new construction, building system upgrades and other expenses. Total project costs are almost $100 million; finalists were selected based on business readiness, viability, location, design, neighborhood needs and community impact.
“These grants invest directly in Chicago’s future by creating more resilient and economically vibrant communities across our city,” said Mayor…