Pilsen has been known for a neighborhood rich in culture, music, art, and culinary tradition. Just a year ago, small businesses began facing the start of widespread economic shutdowns due to the pandemic. This resulted in some businesses shuttering for good or leaving them hanging by a thread. Those here need our support NOW.
We bring a sense of urgency to this cause. Let’s slow the wave of economic flight and bring more economic investment to the neighborhood through the campaign, Shop Pilsen.
The year-round Shop Pilsen campaign aims to promote Pilsen as a place to shop, dine and discover services. We want to help stimulate the local economy; instill a sense of pride among residents and boost traffic every day. We welcome old and new visitors to Pilsen! Follow us on social media for the latest updates.
The ESDC Resiliency Fund is part of the Shop Pilsen campaign that provides financial relief to uplift local business owners.
ESDC cares about our local businesses and the importance of shopping locally. We awarded these funds to show support and assist them with financial relief in a time when it’s needed the most. We can also do our part individually to show support to our business community. All we need to do is “Shop Pilsen”. Click to learn about their business or their stories.
P.R.O. Fitness & Sports Academy
To provide a financial donation to the fund, please contact Alex Esparza, 312-733-2287.
Connecting with us is the first step in making the campaign a success. Our outreach team is available to listen and identify your needs so we can bring you programs and actionable solutions. We strive to build a personal and long-term relationship that is mutually beneficial. Here are just a few ways to get engaged with us.
Proudly place a poster in your storefront
Use hashtag #shoppilsen or #decompraspilsen in your social feeds
Sign up and learn from our no-cost webinars and advising services from our cybersecurity, marketing, restaurants, and grant experts
Participate in ESDC Shop Pilsen programs
Shop in Pilsen!
Use hashtag #shoppilsen or #decompraspilsen when you shop, dine or get a service
Recommend a business to your friends and family
Display the Shop Pilsen poster
Look for the Shop Pilsen or De Compras Pilsen logo and tag us with your photo
“After brutal health and economic crisis–one that has not ended–family-owned and small businesses have been hard hit, resulting in layoffs and permanent closures,” Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García said. “As an engine of local economic development, these businesses need all the help possible. The Shop Pilsen/De Compras Pilsen initiative constitutes a wonderful tool to aid businesses courageously trying to stay open by encouraging community members to buy local. Let’s shop local! Let’s shop Pilsen!” Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04)
“Just as so many of us have been staying at home to try to be safe, Pilsen businesses have been trying to be responsible while trying to stay in business. SHOP PILSEN is about Pilsen residents helping Pilsen businesses so that everyone gets to enjoy their unique contributions to our community. Let’s encourage everyone to buy local whenever they can.” Illinois State Senator Tony Muñoz, 1st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader (D-Chicago)
Request ESDC’s Programs and Resource information kit in English or Spanish.
For more information on the ESDC Shop Pilsen campaign, please contact:
Salvador Cerna, Community Outreach Director
Sarai Guerrero, Community Outreach Coordinator