April

Free Business Education Workshops

Weekly workshops offered by City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP).

Useful webinar: Rules for Chicago's Minimum Wage Ordinances on April 8. Presented by: Richard Ruff, Supervisor of Labor Standards.

Office of Labor Standards Chicago’s Minimum Wage Ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2015. In support of the Ordinance, OLS engaged in a collaborative and transparent process to effectuate Rules to assist with the implementation of the Ordinance. Employers and Workers are encouraged to join this webinar to learn about and review the current version of the rules.

April 3

Community Development Grant Webinar

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is hosting an Informational Webinar for the next round of the Community Development Grant-Small (CDG-S) grant funding. This will provide up to $250,000 to small businesses all over Chicago to support construction projects for revenue-generating commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing businesses. Please RSVP here if you plan on attending.

April 17

CTA Building Small Businesses Program

Join the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Diversity Programs Building Small Businesses Program (BSB). BSB is an immersive and detailed financial capacity-building program tailored for small businesses accelerations. Join us on April 17, 2025, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST, for a workshop at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1250 W 119th St, Chicago, IL 60643. Register here.

April 25

ITCC Global Summit

In a time of rapid economic shifts, understanding the forces shaping global trade, finance, and industry is critical. Hence, our 2025 Economic Outlook Summit offers an in-depth exploration of the latest trends, policies, and opportunities influencing business and trade. This summit is not just an event, it’s your opportunity to be at the forefront of economic discussions that will shape global trade and industry in 2025. For a full agenda and registration, please visit here. PACC Members: $40 (promo code PACC-042525)

REAL ID Information in Polish

Before going to a DMV for a REAL ID, Illinoisans should make sure they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement date. Individuals who have a valid U.S. passport, global entry card or military identification and those under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly domestically on a commercial aircraft or visit certain federal facilities, such as a military base or federal courthouse as of May 7. Additionally, REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving a vehicle or required for valid identification or proof of citizenship. Polish press release here and FAQs.

SBAC Action Alert:

Tax Incentives for Small Businesses

SBAC is thrilled to announce the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act was passed out of the House Revenue and Finance Committee and should receive a vote on the floor! This bill provides small businesses with 50 or fewer employees the opportunity to secure a $2,500 tax credit for hiring a net new employee. Passing this legislation will support small businesses that create new jobs and generate long-term revenue for the state. Please consider reaching out to your legislators and asking them to support this legislation. Here is our fact sheet.

DEADLINE: April 7

OE3 SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL & INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) is pleased to announce the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $245,000 will support initiatives that drive business growth, enhance operational efficiency, promote sustainability, and create or retain jobs. Click here for more information. Applications must be submitted by April 7, 2025, 5 pm.

April 12-13

Chicago Teahouse:

Tea Festival

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of tea during our two-day event at the Copernicus Center. Discover new flavors, engage in fun discussions, and taste a variety of teas provided by our vendors. Expand your tea knowledge through workshops and presentations. More info & tickets here.