Andrew Wimer
Andrew Wimer · November 23, 2020

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CHICAGO—With Small Business Saturday just a few days away and the holiday shopping season already in full swing, Chicagoans should know that there is an easy way for them to find small, local businesses ready to serve them safely. Launched this spring, www.ShopInPlaceChi.com helps consumers search for small businesses by category and neighborhood.

The website is free to the public courtesy of the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago (IJ Clinic). The IJ Clinic provides free legal assistance, support and advocacy for low-income entrepreneurs in Chicago.

“This holiday season we’re encouraging Chicagoans to make their gift shopping even more meaningful by supporting a local small business,” said IJ Clinic Director Beth Kregor. “ShopInPlaceChi.com has grown rapidly in the past few months, making it a really useful tool for finding almost anything holiday shoppers are seeking.”

Thanks to a partnership with United Airlines, the number of businesses listed on the website recently expanded. United Airlines volunteers helped add 600 additional listings and provided marketing support to let flyers know that the website is a great way to support Chicago businesses whether they are visiting or call the Windy City home.

The website continues to welcome new submissions from Chicago small businesses selling products in categories such as bath and cleaning products, books, educational supplies, games and toys, food, apparel and more. Businesses interested in being listed on the website should visit shopinplacechi.com/submit-your-business/ and fill out a short form with information about the products they offer, their neighborhood locations, and how consumers can safely purchase their products through delivery or curbside pickup. Listings will be added after a review by IJ Clinic staff and volunteers.

IJ Clinic Director Beth Kregor is available for interviews via phone or video conference. Contact Andrew Wimer, IJ Assistant Communications Director, at [email protected] or (703) 298-5938 to arrange.