Chicago BACP
banner
chicagobacp.bsky.social
Chicago BACP
@chicagobacp.bsky.social
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City.

Follow BACP on social and subscribe to our newsletters: Chi.gov/BACPUpdates
Pinned
We're here to help you start your business in Chicago today!

✶ Business Education Webinars: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars
✶ Entrepreneur Certficate: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate
✶ Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Chicago.gov/NBDC
✶ Small Business Center: Chicago.gov/SmallBusiness
Small businesses are the backbone of Chicago’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

"Cut The Tape for Small Business" is designed to streamline & simplify regulatory processes, enhance transparency, and increase access to education & resources. More: Chicago.gov/CutTheTape
February 6, 2026 at 3:13 PM
This morning's free business education webinar starts at 930am. Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

In this webinar you will learn the concept of financial management and to identify financial management practices, rules and tools that are commonly available.
February 6, 2026 at 2:34 PM
This week's #ShopLocalChicago Neighborhood Pride series highlights Englewood! Englewood is a large neighborhood known as a long-time hub for Black music, culture and business. The neighborhood is also home to a proud and engaged collective of residents. #BlackHistoryMonth
February 5, 2026 at 7:56 PM
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, this month’s #BACPEmpowerHour will feature Lisa Collins-Wilkins, Owner of Reach for the Stars. The child daycare center offers programs with classrooms & field trips to help children learn & connect. Learn more and register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars
February 4, 2026 at 5:08 PM
NOW STREAMING ON YOUTUBE: In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, we're highlighting Mahari Restaurant in Hyde Park. Watch the full episode now: https://youtu.be/rd93W2aS5IA
Behind the Business License: Mahari Restaurant
YouTube video by ChicagoBACP
youtu.be
February 4, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Cable 25 is a municipal cable television station that nurtures local independent producers and fosters film and television production in the nation’s third largest market. To submit a request for a Cable 25 time slot, visit Chicago.gov/Cable25.
February 4, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Today's free business education webinar begins at 3pm. Register here: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

Topics covered include how to prepare for inspections, building permits, sign display requirements, food inspection overview & necessary certificates, zoning review procedures and more.
February 4, 2026 at 2:48 PM
ICYMI: New RFP Opportunity: The Small Business Technology Enhancement Program RFP will create a program to equip small business owners with the tools & skills needed to succeed in a digital-first economy.

Find more information, including how to apply, at Chi.gov/RFP63171
February 3, 2026 at 9:06 PM
BACP is proud to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth!

For this week's #TagLocalTuesday, we're asking our followers to shout out their favorite black-owned businesses in the City of Chicago. Tag them all in the comments! #ShopLocalChicago
February 3, 2026 at 3:25 PM
BACP is celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by recognizing black-owned businesses this month!
Stay tuned:
- A new episode of Behind the Business License
- Our #TagLocalTuesday campaign
- This month's #BACPEmpowerHour
February 2, 2026 at 4:47 PM
This week's free business education webinars:
Wednesday 3pm: City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
Friday 9:30am: Financial Management for a Small Business

Learn more and register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars
February 2, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Small businesses are the backbone of Chicago’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors. ​"Cut The Tape for Small Business" is designed to streamline and simplify regulatory processes, enhance transparency, and increase access to education & resources. More: Chicago.gov/CutTheTape
January 30, 2026 at 3:20 PM
This morning's free business education webinar starts at 9:30am. Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

Whether LLC, Corp, or another legal entity, when starting a business, organizing your company the right way can significantly limit risk. Learn how this morning!
January 30, 2026 at 2:41 PM
ICYMI: The newest episode of Behind the Business License is now streaming!
Established in 2006, HD Design & Printing contributes to Chicago’s manufacturing legacy while offering skilled jobs in the creative, technical Garfield Park community.

WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/XmqCJ6UfDUQ
Behind the Business License: HD Design & Printing, LLC
YouTube video by ChicagoBACP
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 7:38 PM
ICYMI: The 2026 #ChicagoSmallBizExpo dates have been announced!
⭐Thurs., March 12, 9am to 12:30pm, Online
⭐Sat., May 16, 8:30am to 1:30pm, Truman College
⭐Sat., August 29, 8:30am to 1:30pm, Malcolm X College

To learn more about the Expos visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo
January 28, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Every month, BACP, the Dept. of Public Health and the Dept. of Buildings teach how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, zoning review procedures + more! Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars
January 28, 2026 at 9:41 PM
This week's #ShopLocalChicago Neighborhood Pride series highlights the Back of the Yards neighborhood! The South Side community that once housed meatpackers now produces coffee, tortillas, beer & more – take a look: https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-back-of-the-yards-chicago
January 28, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Today's free business education webinar starts at 3pm Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

Attend this webinar and learn the steps to apply for a Food Truck including the application process and required documents, as well as best practices for safe operations.
January 28, 2026 at 2:50 PM
ICYMI: New RFP Opportunity: The Small Business Technology Enhancement Program RFP will create a program to equip small business owners with the tools & skills needed to succeed in a digital-first economy.

Find more information, including how to apply, at Chi.gov/RFP63171
January 27, 2026 at 5:54 PM
We’re in the midst of #ChicagoRestaurantWeek!

A record-breaking 550+ restaurants will be offering brunch/lunch/dinner specials: https://www.choosechicago.com/chicago-restaurant-week/participating-restaurants/. What are you excited to try? #TagLocalTuesday @choosechicago.bsky.social
January 27, 2026 at 2:46 PM
This week's free business education webinars:
Wed: Chicago Business Licensing: How to apply for a Food Truck
Fri: Forming Your Business: Choosing a Legal Entity and Risk Mitigation
Learn more and register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars
January 27, 2026 at 2:34 PM
🚨 New RFP Opportunity: The Small Business Technology Enhancement Program RFP will create a program to equip small business owners with the tools and skills needed to succeed in a digital-first economy.

Find more information, including how to apply, at Chi.gov/RFP63171
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM
BACP ensures Chicago’s public passenger vehicles are safe, reliable and provide residents and visitors positive transportation options. Using 311, passengers can share problems or complaints for our team to follow up on — or also share compliments like this from a recent visitor!
January 23, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Small businesses are the backbone of Chicago’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors. ​"Cut The Tape for Small Business" is designed to streamline and simplify regulatory processes, enhance transparency, and increase access to education & resources. More: Chicago.gov/CutTheTape
January 23, 2026 at 2:53 PM
REMINDER: BACP offices are closed to the public today, Friday, January 23, 2026, due to the National Weather Service issuing an Extreme Cold Warning.

Safety and preparedness tips, weather information, and alerts: Chicago.gov/OEMC.
January 23, 2026 at 2:46 PM