This week's free business education webinars: Wed: How to apply for a Business License Fri: Networking that Actually Grows Your Business Over 10,000 visits to our Webinars website so far this year... see for yourself all the free resources for small biz: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

SIGN UP TODAY! CHIBIZ Alerts are targeted alerts for the business community through a partnership between BACP and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications. To receive these text message alerts, text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Want to start a new business in 2026? Find your Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC)! These 65 business service orgs provide no-cost hyper-local business development assistance to entrepreneurs & business owners across the city. Start: Chicago.gov/NBDC

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

This morning's free business education webinar starts at 9:30am. Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars This webinar is designed for senior leaders, founders, and executives navigating transition, uncertainty, and transformation.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Mayor Brandon Johnson and BACP announced the free remote Chicago Small Biz Expo will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 9am-12:30pm. The remote expo provides a centralized hub of resources to support business success and growth. Register: Chicago.gov/BizExpo

Roseland began to flourish into a diverse, cosmopolitan community with the development of the nearby Pullman Factory & was once considered one of the most important commercial areas outside the Loop. #ShopLocalChicago Learn more about Roseland: https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/roseland/

Today's free business education webinar starts at 3pm. Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars This webinar will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream.

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

Which local Chicago bakery are you purchasing your Pączki, King Cake, and other Fat Tuesday Treats this year? Share your favorite bakery in the comments! #TagLocalTuesday #ShopLocalChicago

This week's free business education webinars: Wed: The Start-Up Challenge: Is Your Dream Built to Succeed? Thurs: #BACPEmpowerHour with Reach for the Stars Fri: Sustaining Team Resilience Amidst Organizational Change Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is closed today, Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Washington's Birthday and reopen tomorrow on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Happy Valentine's Day ❤️ Spread the love by shouting out your favorite Chicago small businesses in the comments!

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

This morning's free business education webinar starts at 9:30am. Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars Allies for Community Business offers term loans and lines of credit and revenue-based financing to early, emerging, and established businesses. Join this webinar to learn more.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Mayor Brandon Johnson and BACP announced the free remote Chicago Small Biz Expo will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 9am-12:30pm. The remote expo provides a centralized hub of resources to support business success and growth. Register: Chicago.gov/BizExpo

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will be closed: - Thursday, February 12, 2026 in observance of Lincoln's Birthday & reopen on Friday, Feb 13. - Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Washington's Birthday & reopen on Tuesday, Feb 17.

BACP started the new year with a week-long campaign for 2026 New Years Resolutions aimed at Chicagoans who want to start or grow their business. Find resources using the hashtag #BACP2026. #BACPAtAGlance

Uptown is where Chicago’s rich history & international diversity intersect. The area has a long legacy as an entertainment hot spot, with iconic venues that have drawn some of the biggest names in music. #ShopLocalChicago #ShopLocalUptown Explore: https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/uptown/

Today's free business education webinar starts at 3pm. Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars Answer tax questions for your business including: Are you required to file a tax return? Is your worker an independent contractor or employee? What business records must be kept? And more!

BACP is celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by recognizing black-owned businesses this month! Stay tuned: - A new episode of Behind the Business License - Our #TagLocalTuesday campaign - #ShopLocalChicago Neighborhood Spotlight series - This month's #BACPEmpowerHour

Valentine's Day is this Saturday, February 14 💕 What local Chicago business will you be visiting to purchase gifts for your special someone? Shout them out in the comments! #TagLocalTuesday #ShopLocalChicago

Apply now! 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

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

This week's free business education webinars: Wednesday: What You Need to Know About Your Business & Federal Taxes Friday: Financing for Your Business Register: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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#ChicagoRestaurantWeek

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

🚨 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

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!

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

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.