Downtown Evanston - Business Resources

Downtown Evanston created this webpage to provide updates about businesses in downtown Evanston and how to support local businesses, resources for businesses available at the city, county, state and federal levels and a list of community resources, including volunteer opportunities. 
 
For the most up-to-date information about Coronavirus, visit the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the City of Evanston Covid-19 Resources.  

Please check back periodically as the information changes daily. In addition, please share this website with family and friends, and let us know of any business updates or stories you'd like to share about the Evanston community by emailing lbrown@downtownevanston.org. 

Support Local Businesses

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Evanston - Support Local Businesses - Online Shopping & Gift Cards
Evanston - Support Local Businesses - Virtual Events & Services

Business Resources

Downtown Evanston is part of the Evanston Covid-19 Task Force that is working on strategies to help businesses and organizations prepare for the recovery and reopening process. Below are some resources we have found helpful.

On May 22, the State of Illinois released this business toolkit complete with signage, training checklists, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest and greatest public health recommendations.

Phase 3 guidelines span 10 different industry categories. Each set of guidelines includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines. Learn more here.

Evanston Covid-19 Recovery Playbook

Coronavirus Tips for Restaurants

National Restaurant Association Covid 19 Guidance

US Foods Blueprint for Reopening

Evanston Covid-19 Resource Checklist


Community Resources

This section will highlight local organizations offering assistance programs and  volunteer opportunities. Please email additional resources to lbrown@downtownevanston.org. 

City of Evanston Covid-19 Resources
The City of Evanston has developed a complete webpage with communication updates, task force updates, health recommendations, ways to help out and more. You can also sign up for regular email updates. 

EvanstonAid
A network to centralize and match resources with need, recruit volunteers and share information.  

Give In-Kind Meals 
A coordinated effort to donate meals and/or snacks for the ER, ICU and greater hospital staff at various Chicago Area hospitals while supporting local restaurants.  

Northwestern University Covid-19 Updates
Northwestern is committed to providing news and resources for students, faculty and staff throughout the evolving COVID-19 crisis. 

The Mesothelioma Center
A free health site dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information for cancer patients and family members with information related to COVID-19.



Evanston Facts
  • The City of Evanston grew up around Northwestern University and was renamed for physician John Evans in 1857, who was one of Northwestern's founders.
  • Evanston is located 12 miles north of Downtown Chicago, bordered by Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, Wilmette to the north, and Lake Michigan to the east.
  • The current population is about 75,000.
  • The largest Evanston racial/ethnic groups are White (58.4%) followed by Black (16.1%) and Hispanic (11.3%).
  • In 2022, the median household income of Evanston households was $93,188.
  • The median age for Evanston residents is 37.6 years young.
Business Data Sheet
Special Service Area Map
Downtown Map