CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot took part in a groundbreaking for a new South Side winery-restaurant, and to aim at banks reluctant to lend Black business people the capital they need.
Bronzeville Winery will be built on South Cottage Grove Avenue, helped by a $250,000 grant from Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.
At the groundbreaking, restaurant co-owner Cecelia Cuff said the help went beyond that.
"The NOF does a great job on many different levels, understanding the many needs of business owners, so I think that would be the greatest asset to me, besides the financial assets," Cuff said.
She said she plans to help train and advise other entrepreneurs. Cuff said more efforts are needed.
"I think the Black community needs more access to capital and less just one-and-done programs," Cuff said.
She said minority entrepreneurs like her have difficulty getting financing from the big banks, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot challenged them to do a lot better.
"This goes out to the banks out there, to the finance companies: you need to finance black and brown entrepreneurs...It's not enough to have a mission statement. It's not enough to say you will do at some future date. Put your money where your mouth is, now! Invest in these entrepreneurs," Lightfoot said.
Cecelia Cuff said those businesses can help pave the way for others.
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