City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers, and consumers in the City of Chicago.

Empower Hour: Gray Matter Experience

In honor and recognition of Youth Skills Day, celebrated in July, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with NAME, TITLE of Gray Matter Experience. The Gray Matter Experience inspires, educates, and empowers the next generation of Black changemakers by bridging the entrepreneurial knowledge gap and driving positive …

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Getting Started with SEO: A Practical Guide for Chicago Small Business Owners

Presented by Edwin Romero, Independent SEO Consultant and Chicago Small Business Advocate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most cost-effective ways to attract new customers, but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked by small business owners. In this introductory webinar, we’ll break down what SEO is, why it matters for local Chicago businesses, and …

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Actualizaciones a las Protecciones Laborales de Chicago-incluyendo el aumento anual al Salario Mínimo de la Ciudad, la amplificación a las métricas de compensación de la Semana Laboral Justa y la ampl

Presentado por Miguel Campos, Director, Oficina de Normas Laborales Las actualizaciones a las Leyes Laborales existentes en Chicago entrarán en vigor el 1 de julio de 2025; el salario mínimo en Chicago aumentará para la mayoría de los trabajadores; las métricas de compensación de la Ordenanza de la Semana Laboral Justa aumentarán, y el acceso …

Actualizaciones a las Protecciones Laborales de Chicago-incluyendo el aumento anual al Salario Mínimo de la Ciudad, la amplificación a las métricas de compensación de la Semana Laboral Justa y la ampl Read More »

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Empower Hour: Le Midi

In honor and recognition of LGBTQ+/Pride Month, celebrated in June, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Seth Wilson, Co-Founder of Le Midi. Le Midi, located in Wicker Park is a wine shop with a rotation of 250 labels, allowing customers to explore some of the top …

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Actualizaciones a las Protecciones Laborales de Chicago-incluyendo el aumento anual al Salario Mínimo de la Ciudad, la amplificación a las métricas de compensación de la Semana Laboral Justa y la ampl

  Presentado por Kelvia Lara, Supervisora de Normas Laborales, Oficina de Normas Laborales Las actualizaciones a las Leyes Laborales existentes en Chicago entrarán en vigor el 1 de julio de 2025; el salario mínimo en Chicago aumentará para la mayoría de los trabajadores; las métricas de compensación de la Ordenanza de la Semana Laboral Justa …

Actualizaciones a las Protecciones Laborales de Chicago-incluyendo el aumento anual al Salario Mínimo de la Ciudad, la amplificación a las métricas de compensación de la Semana Laboral Justa y la ampl Read More »

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Updates to Chicago’s Labor Protections-including the annual increase to the City’s Minimum Wage, Fair Workweek compensation metrics, and expanded access to private cause of action.

Updates to existing Chicago Labor Laws will go into effect on July 1, 2025; the minimum wage in Chicago will increase for most workers; the compensation metrics of the Fair Workweek Ordinance will increase, and access to private cause of action for Paid Leave will commence. Employers and workers are encouraged to join this webinar …

Updates to Chicago’s Labor Protections-including the annual increase to the City’s Minimum Wage, Fair Workweek compensation metrics, and expanded access to private cause of action. Read More »

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Accessible Social Media and Websites for Chicago Businesses

Presented by the Mayors Office For People With Disabilities Join MOPD to learn about accessible social media for Chicago businesses and professionals. This training will cover virtual accessibility practices to support your business in reaching and serving all customers. To earn credit for the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate program, you must be registered to the program …

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Empower Hour: WE EACH BELONG

In honor and recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated in May, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Andrew Hong, Founder and CEO of WE EACH BELONG. WE EACH BELONG is a restorative justice streetwear brand on a mission to grow a …

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Small Business Development Grants

The Department of Planning and Development will host a webinar that offers an overview of the small business development grant programs within the Small Business Development Bureau. This presentation will cover key details about the Small Business Improvement Fund, the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, and the Community Development Grant Program. Additionally, the webinar will provide important …

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Steps to Obtain a Business License

Learn the steps involved in obtaining a City of Chicago business license, from registering your business entity to license application, inspection, and approval. In celebration of National Small Business Week