IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2024

CONTACT:
Hareder McDowell (312.742.2734)
Hareder.McDowell@cityofchicago.org

Chicago (May 28, 2024)—City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin today announced the Chicago Treasurer’s Office’s (CTO) launch of the Chicago Star Award, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and uplifting small businesses that play such a pivotal role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Chicago.

The Chicago Star Award aims to highlight the remarkable contributions of small businesses in Chicago and foster community involvement by inviting members of the public to nominate local establishments that contribute to the vibrancy of their communities.

“As the City Treasurer, I am proud to introduce the Chicago Star Award, which celebrates the resilience, innovation, and dedication of our city’s small businesses,” said Conyears-Ervin. “Small businesses are the backbone of our city’s economy, providing nearly half of all jobs and contributing significantly to the well-being and vitality of our diverse communities. This award is more than just an accolade—it represents a commitment to nurture our local economy and celebrate the ways that entrepreneurship can lead to a more prosperous future.”

The CTO will provide resources to the winners to help enhance their visibility, marketing, and overall success. Additionally, awardees will gain access to exclusive business workshops facilitated by the CTO’s community partners, covering essential topics like financial management, digital marketing, and growth strategies. Recipients will also receive a special invitation to the fourth annual Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Education and Empowerment Summit at the UIC Forum on October 12, where they will find networking opportunities and further professional development.

To be eligible, businesses must operate within the City of Chicago, be registered with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and have no outstanding delinquent debt or felonies. Additionally, nominated businesses must not currently be engaged in business with the Chicago Treasurer’s Office in any capacity, nor be a franchise or a large business with more than 500 employees.

Nominations for the Chicago Star Award will open on May 25 and remain open until 11:59 p.m. Central on September 2, 2024. To submit a nomination or learn more, visit. www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/chicagostars.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 10, 2024

CONTACT:
Sharice Bradford (312.744.5190)
Sharice.Bradford@cityofchicago.org

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin announced the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) will award 10 Empowerment Scholarships to Chicago Public School students entering a two or four-year accredited institution in the fall of 2024. A one-time, $5,000 award will be presented to each of the 10 students as part of the CTO’s annual college scholarship program sponsored by community partners BMO, Discover, First Eagle, Huntington National Bank, Partners Group, Marquette Associates, Inc., and Providence Bank & Trust.

“The Empowerment Scholarship program is the right thing to do because it helps provide access to higher education which is the surest path to breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunities that building long-term wealth and a bright future,” said Treasurer Conyears-Ervin. “A solid education should not be a privilege based on what a family can afford, but a right for those seeking the opportunity,” added Treasurer Conyears-Ervin.

To be eligible for a $5,000 award, which a student can use to pay for any education-related expenses, a student must be a graduating senior enrolled in an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2024 and submit a completed application, including an essay, high school transcripts and other materials by 11:59pm, on Sunday June 30, 2024. To apply, visit www.cps.academicworks.com/users/sign_in.

Scholarship Application Rules and Essay Question

• Submit a typed essay, 500 to 750 words in length answering the following question: Describe how this need-based scholarship will empower you to pursue your higher education
• Submit an unofficial transcript from a Chicago Public School high school, such as a print-out from student portal
• Provide enrollment verification for the start of school in the fall of 2024 from a two-, or four-year accredited college or university.

• Submit copy of FAFSA/Alternative App or 2022 Tax Returns

• Provide proof of Chicago residency (i.e., Driver’s License, State ID, OR Academic Letter)

For additional information about this scholarship program and the Chicago Youth Symposium, visit

www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/scholarshipopportunties or email Sharice.Bradford@cityofhciago.org.