Resources
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
- The Chicago Small Business Center (SBC) is the business licensing and permitting division of the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the City’s “one-stop-shop” for business licensing, public way use permitting and other resources to start and grow your business.
- If you are looking to obtain a business license or permit, consultants are available by appointment or walk-ins at the City Hall office (121 N LaSalle Room 800 ), Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 pm.
- It is important to always verify new business locations are zoned properly before signing a lease or making any investments at your business premises. Visit Chicago.gov/BusinessLicensing under “Zoning Guide” for more information.
Economic Strategies Development Corporation (ESDC)
- As a lead Small Business Development Center(SBDC) and Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), ESDC supports existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs through no-cost technical assistance, training, and resources provided through city, state and federal programs.
- For more information on ESDC and what they can further assist your business with, visit here
View Form
or their site.
City Level Funding
Small Business Improvement Fund
- The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.
- Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide and differ month to month on what neighborhoods are able to apply.
- For a current rollout calender to know when you might be eligible, please click Here.
