A Message from the BACP Commissioner | | |
Dear Chicagoan,
As the new year begins, I want to take a moment to recognize our small businesses that help our neighborhoods thrive, and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting their growth in the year ahead. Last year we launched new partnerships, updated guidance materials, like the New Licensee Resource Booklet, and strengthened coordination across City agencies to help businesses navigate permits, licensing, and compliance requirements. We also increased direct engagement, allowing us to hear your feedback and respond more effectively to your needs. BACP is here to support everything from Chicago’s family-owned shops to new startups, the businesses that help make the city a great place to live, work and visit.
BACP Big Three:
- The 2026 Chicago Small Biz Expo dates have been announced. The first expo will be held remotely on Thursday, March 12 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register and view additional dates: Chicago.gov/BizExpo.
- The BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program offers an opportunity for aspiring and established business owners to gain formal recognition for the skills and knowledge they've developed through real-world experience—which also allows them to earn college credit for Business 111, a foundational course in business principles at City Colleges of Chicago. The program is designed to help Chicagoans develop key business skills, from financial literacy and marketing to business compliance. More information: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate.
-
Cut the Tape for Small Business addresses top concerns while focusing on improving City processes and programs by reducing both cost and time burdens and barriers that small businesses face across our neighborhood corridors. From Englewood to Edgewater and Austin to Uptown, the goals are designed to streamline and simplify regulatory processes, enhance transparency and increase access to small business education and resources. Learn more: Chicago.gov/CutTheTape.
Looking ahead, BACP is committed to encouraging business growth by expanding access to resources, strengthening partnerships, improving outreach and continuing to look for ways to streamline processes to better serve the business community. These efforts are designed to help businesses spend less time navigating red tape and more time doing what they do best.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for the vital role you play in our city. I look forward to working on building on past progress and ensuring a successful year ahead.
Sincerely,
Ivan Capifali
Commissioner
| | |
BACP premiered Season 3 of Behind the Business License featuring All American Medical Supply and West Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
Watch here: YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP
| | |
On Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Cut The Tape for Small Business to make it more faster and easier to open and operate a small business in Chicago.
Learn more: Chicago.gov/CutTheTape
| |
| Which BACP programs and services are you utilizing in 2026? | | | | |
Business License Fee Updates
As part of the 2026 City of Chicago Budget, business license fees have been adjusted. These adjustments help maintain essential city services while supporting long-term financial stability.
As of January 1, 2026, the fees are as follows:
- Limited Business License: $500 for a two-year license
- Regulated Business License: $1,000 for a two-year license
- Hotel license: $1,000 plus $2.20/room for a two-year license
- Booting of Motor Vehicles license: $1,000 for a two-year license plus one-time fee of $100 per location
- Pharmaceutical Representative license: $750 per year
- Massage Establishment license: $550 for a two-year license
- Shared Housing Licensing and Registration:
- Shared Housing Unit registration: $250 per year
- Shared Housing Unit Operator license: $500 for a two-year license
- Application for Commissioner’s Adjustment: $360 per application
- Commercial vessel license: $600 for any passenger occupancy limit
As of February 1, 2026, the fees are as follows:
- Livery: $1,200 for a two-year license
- Charter/sightseeing vehicle: $1,000
- Medical carrier vehicle: $600
The City of Chicago remains committed to providing business resources, programs and streamlined services to help businesses continue to start and grow in Chicago.
For information on business license types and to apply or renew a business license, visit Chicago.gov/BusinessLicensing.
| | |
Change in Liquor Tax – Alcoholic Beverages Purchased for Off Premises Consumption
As of March 1, 2026:
- A tax is hereby imposed on the privilege of purchasing or using, in the City, alcoholic beverages purchased in a sale at retail for consumption off of the premises where such alcoholic beverages are sold.
- The rate of the tax under this section shall be one and a half percent (1.5%) of the purchase price, exclusive of any other tax charged for such alcoholic beverages.
- Retail alcoholic beverage dealers shall collect the tax from the purchasers of alcoholic beverages for consumption off of the premises where such alcoholic beverages are sold.
-
All Package Goods (1474) License Holders are required to collect and remit the 1.5% Liquor Tax to the Department of Finance. Payments are due monthly by the 15th day of the following month, and tax returns are filed annually. The first tax return filing will cover the period of March 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026, with the due date for filing being August 17, 2026.
View a printable PDF copy of the updated liquor tax.
If you have any questions regarding this notice please email us at revenuecs@cityofchicago.org or call the Small Business Contact Center at 312-747-4747.
| | |
2026 Chicago Small Biz Expos
BACP announced the 2026 Chicago Small Business Expos series dates and locations.
At a Chicago Small Bix Expo you can:
- Network with like-minded entrepreneurs.
- Gain industry expert insights.
- Expand professional network.
- Connect with government agencies.
- Be inspired and find answers.
- Get access to expert advice and free resources.
- Attend workshops and keynote address.
- Learn new actionable business strategies.
- Get professional headshots or fun selfies.
- And much more!
To register for a 2026 Chicago Small Biz Expo:
- Thursday, March 12, 2026 held remotely: Register
- Saturday, May 16, 2026 held at Truman College: Register
- Saturday, August 29, 2026 held at Malcolm X College: Register
To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.
| | |
NEW: Earn College Credit through the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program Partnership with City Colleges of Chicago
Recently, BACP launched a partnership to expand the benefits of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program which aims to increase public access to business education for current and aspiring business owners and students.
This partnership builds on the success of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate program, in which more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have successfully completed the program.
Now, program graduates are eligible to earn college credit for Business 111, a foundational course in business principles at City Colleges of Chicago. The program is designed to help Chicagoans develop key business skills, from financial literacy and marketing to business compliance.
Key Benefits:
- Free Education: The BACP webinars are free for all Chicagoans.
- College Credit: Earn 3 credits for Business 111 at CCC, saving time and money.
-
Financial Access: Potential eligibility for startup and growth loans via CIBC Bank USA.
| | |
Shop Local 365
BACP encourages Chicagoans to Shop Local all year long. The Shop Local Chicago campaign promotes ongoing support for small neighborhood businesses, by increasing spending along commercial corridors, strengthening our local economy, and fostering community connections.
When residents choose to shop local, they help create jobs, sustain vibrant neighborhoods, and reinvest dollars back into Chicago communities. Learn more at Chicago.gov/ShopLocal.
Supporting small businesses isn’t just for one day or one season. Every purchase made at an independent, locally owned business helps keep money circulating locally and contributes to long-term economic growth across the city.
To learn more about programs, events, and resources that support small businesses throughout the year, connect with your local Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDCs) Learn more: Chicago.gov/NBDC.
| | |
All for the Love of Chicago
Earlier this fall, Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, launched a new social media campaign to take back the story of our city. Launched in response to the rise of damaging rhetoric and distorted media attention, All for the Love of Chicago calls on everyone who loves this city to share their unapologetic, bold, and unfiltered stories: why we love Chicago, what it means, and the lasting effect it leaves behind. The campaign has taken off, with hundreds of millions of views across social media and traditional media, tens of thousands of followers, positive local editorial coverage, and over 100 inspiring posts and videos to remind us all why we love Chicago.
Want to get involved? Record a video or post a photo about why you love Chicago with the hashtag #allfortheloveofchicago. Make sure to tag @allfortheloveofchicago or DM the video to @allfortheloveofchicago on Instagram or TikTok.
| | |
Chicago Loves Local
Chicago Loves Local is a free shop local campaign available to all 77 community areas in Chicago that is aimed at uplifting and supporting the local businesses that shape the vibrant neighborhoods within our city.
View and download the free graphics.
Tag @chicagoloveslocal to be featured!
| | Business Information and Resources | | |
Mayor's Office of Community Safety
The Mayor's Office of Community Safety offers small businesses information and opportunities to strengthen community engagement as well as to provide support with the handling of 311 requests addressing safety concerns.
More: Visit Chicago.gov/CommunitySafety or email mocs@cityofchicago.org
| |
Office of the City Clerk’s Chicago CityKey Program
Join the Office of the City Clerk’s Chicago CityKey program as a business partner. CityKey is a government-issued ID card available to all Chicagoans. Additionally, it may be used as a Chicago Public Library card, a Chicago Transit Authority Ventra card and a Chicago Rx prescription drug discount card. When joining as a business partner, you will be providing benefits to more than 100,000 Keyholders and helping them gain access to many of the notable things that make our city great. This free partnership is a great way to help promote your business.
More: Visit bit.ly/citykeypartner or email citykey@cityofchicago.org.
| | |
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
The Department of Planning and Development's Neighborhood Opportunity Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) provides grants up to $250,000 for small business and cultural projects located along West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors. NOF grants are provided as reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project expenses with a maximum grant of $250,000. Applicants may qualify for additional funding for Technical Assistance.
Deadline: 1st Quarter NOF application deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026
More: Chicago.gov/NOF
| |
Small Business Improvement Fund
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. Program participants may receive grants covering between 30 to 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with maximum grants upwards of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. Downloadable 2026 rollout calendars are available in the following languages: English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese | Polish
Deadline: SBIF applications may be submitted during monthly rollout periods for individual TIF districts.
More: Chicago.gov/SBIF
| | |
The BACP Office of Labor Standards (OLS) oversees Chicago's landmark labor laws. Educational outreach materials on Chicago's labor laws are available in 12 languages.
More: Chicago.gov/LaborStandards
| | |
Business Education Webinar Series:
Free webinars taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies on a wide variety of topics including: business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more.
| | |
Empower Hour is a monthly webinar series highlighting Chicago business owners, their stories and their role in shaping Chicago’s business community.
The webinar is a candid conversation between BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai and a local entrepreneur. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session.
| | |
January Empower Hour
January 15 at 2:00 p.m.
This month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Christy Sears, Owner of Pickleball Clubhouse.
Located in Irving Park, Pickleball Clubhouse offers premier indoor pickleball courts for a high-quality, community-driven playing experience for athletes of all skill levels. The clubhouse offers leagues, clinics, private lessons, and events that support player development while fostering a strong sense of community. Driven by a passion for pickleball and social connection, Pickleball Clubhouse supports the continued growth of pickleball in Chicago.
| | |
February Empower Hour
February 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Next month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Lisa Collins-Wilkins, Owner of Reach for the Stars.
Reach for the Stars is a child daycare center located in Chicago’s Woodlawn community. The center offers childcare programs with classrooms and field trips to help children learn and connect. The center is one of few that offers extended hours, such as 5:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. daily, as well as a “parent center” that goes beyond childcare by assisting parents with job searches, clothing donations, resources for mental health and more.
| | |
City Inspections Webinars (monthly):
Each month, BACP, along with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Buildings host a webinar entitled, "Ask Questions, Get Answers." On the first Wednesday of the month, the webinar provides insight on how to operate a compliant business within the City of Chicago. Topics to include:
- Preparing for inspections.
- Building permits and sign display requirements.
- Food inspection overview and required certificates.
- Zoning review procedures.
The next City Inspections webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
| | |
The BACP “Behind the Business License" video series features in-depth conversations between a Neighborhood Business Development Center, a small business owner and City of Chicago Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai.
Each episode details a business owner sharing their first-hand experiences working with the City of Chicago and their local business service organization.
New episodes air every other Tuesday on Cable 25 and are re-run continuously throughout the week. Episodes can also be viewed on the BACP YouTube channel.
More: Chicago.gov/BTBL.
| | Learn about BACP operations and upcoming City of Chicago holidays/office closed days. | | Opt-in for important updates and alerts for Chicago's business community. | | Find purpose in the public sector. Don't miss applying for BACP job opportunities! | | We encourage you to share this newsletter on your social media platforms. Click on the buttons below. | |
| How did you like this email? | | | | | | |
