Dear Chicagoan,

Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of the most vibrant seasons Chicago has to offer. From farmers markets and outdoor concerts to outdoor patio dining, the next few months are packed with opportunities to connect with neighbors and visitors while supporting the local businesses that make our communities. 

BACP Big Three: 

1. On July 1, 2026, several Chicago labor law updates went into effect, including the scheduled annual increase in Chicago’s minimum wage, a scheduled enhancement of the Fair Workweek Ordinance requirements and the full establishment of the legal rights provisions of the Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance. These changes are part of Mayor Johnson’s ongoing commitment to promote fairness and dignity for working people. To view informational flyers, Frequently Asked Questions, and public notices on Chicago’s labor laws, visit Chicago.gov/LaborStandards.  
2. On July 1, 2026, amendments to the Municipal Code of Chicago section 9‑112‑600 went into effect which revised taxi meter rates and related changes. These changes reflect increased operating costs and current economic conditions, noting that Chicago’s taxi fare structure has not changed since 2016. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/RideSmart.

• The free Chicago Business Resource Expo will be held on Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College. This is the last in-person expo of 2026 and you don't want to miss out on the 30+ exhibitors, networking and workshops. To learn more and to register, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.  

As we move through this busy and exciting season, I encourage you to stay connected and take advantage of the many resources available to support Chicago’s businesses, workers and consumers. Thank you for being an essential part of what makes our city strong and welcoming. I look forward to seeing you out in the community this summer. Let’s keep supporting one another, shopping local, and hiring local.

Ivan J. Capifali 

BACP Commissioner 

BACP convened its Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) delegate agencies for its annual Chi Biz Chat to exchange best practices, strengthen partnerships, and align strategies to better support entrepreneurs and neighborhood commercial corridors. This year’s convening highlighted the significant impact of the NBDC program on small businesses and explored opportunities to strengthen the broader business support ecosystem.

To learn about the NBDC program, visit Chicago.gov/NBDC.

BACP joined Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement (MOCE) and the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) at several Mayor’s Office 2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable events. This series of dynamic public meetings allowed Chicagoans to engage in conversations surrounding community priorities for the upcoming budgetary cycle while sharing ideas shaping the future of the City. 

To learn more about the 2027 City of Chicago budget, visit Chicago.gov/OBM.

New Taxi Meter Rates

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures Chicago’s public passenger vehicles are safe, reliable and provide residents and visitors with positive transportation options. 

The Municipal Code of Chicago recent amendments updated the Chicago Taxi Fare Rates effective July 1, 2026.

The revised taxi meter fare rates and related changes reflect increased operating costs and current economic conditions, noting that Chicago’s taxi fare rate structure has not changed since 2016.

For information and ongoing updates on taxi fuel surcharges, visit Chicago.gov/RideSmart.

Shop Local Chicago

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. 

Chicago Loves Local

Chicago Loves Local is a free shop local campaign available to all 77 community areas in Chicago that aims to uplift and support the local businesses that shape the vibrant neighborhoods within our city.

View and download the free graphics.

Tag @chicagoloveslocal to be featured!

All for the Love of Chicago

Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, launched All for the Love of Chicago. The campaign 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. 

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. 

Neighborhood Retail Activation Program



BACP is seeking small business owners and property owners to participate in the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program. This initiative supports commercial corridors in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park by helping entrepreneurs move into vacant storefronts. 

• Business Owners: If you are looking for a new location or want to expand, submit a Business Interest Form.
• Property Owners: If you have available commercial space in these areas, submit a Property Owner Interest Form.

This program is managed by selected Delegate Agencies: Westside Health Authority, Austin African American Business Networking Association (AAABNA), Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, and Together Chicago.

More: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail

The last in-person Chicago Business Resource Expo of 2026 will kick-off with a networking breakfast sponsored by the Office of City Treasurer. There will be an exhibition hall offering resources from over 40 nonprofit and government agencies, and workshops.

Day/Date: Saturday, August 29

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Location: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612

Register: Chicago.gov/BizExpo

Business Education Webinar Series:

BACP offers free webinars taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies on various topics including: business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more.

Empower Hour Series

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.

July Empower Hour

Thursday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m.

In honor and recognition of World Youth Skills Day, which is July 15, July’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Kathleen Myers, Program Director for Chicago North with the Junior Achievement of Chicago.

Junior Achievement of Chicago was founded in 1940 and nationally Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.8 million students per year. Junior Achievement’s learning experiences promote the transferable skills and competencies students need to take advantage of economic opportunity and achieve economic mobility. Programs include entrepreneurship lessons like building a business model and plan, creative problem solving and learning the basics of starting a business.  

August Empower Hour

Thursday, August 20 at 2:00 p.m.

In honor and recognition of National Black Business Month, August’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Ida Nelson, Owner of Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream.

Born in Chicago, raised on the West Side's North Lawndale neighborhood, Ida's career started as an insurance broker, transitioned as a Business Banker for JP Morgan Chase, then Branch Manager for SunTrust in Georgia. Ida reimagined her entrepreneurial skills - unclear about the next step - took one look over her shoulder, and there sat the ice cream maker in front of her. The purchase sparked initially by introducing a fun, new way for her and her family to enjoy the summer. Ida took her cooking skills and applied them to making everyone's favorite dessert - ice cream! 

City Inspections Webinars (monthly):

Each month, BACP, along with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Buildings, hosts a webinar entitled, "Ask Questions, Get Answers." The webinar provides insight on how to operate a compliant business within the City of Chicago. Topics 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 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program

This is a free program for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in Chicago to gain knowledge across various essential business topics. It is designed to help Chicagoans develop key business skills, from financial literacy and marketing to business compliance.

Watch the program overview video.

Key Benefits:

• Free Education: The BACP webinars are free for all Chicagoans.
• College Credit: If eligible, you could earn 3 credits for Business 111 at CCC.
• Financial Access: Potential eligibility for startup and growth loans via CIBC Bank USA.

Behind the Business License

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.

Register in Chicago Business Direct for Easy Online Business License Renewals

If you are registered in Chicago Business Direct, you will receive an email renewal notice 60 days prior to the expiration of your license. You can renew online, update your account information, and view holds or required inspections related to your license account.

Steps:

• To create a User Profile in Chicago Business Direct, visit Chicago.gov/BusinessDirect
• Create a User Profile by clicking on “Register Today” and following the instructions on screen.
• The owner/officer or authorized representative needs to be specifically identified on the Chicago Business Direct account and will be verified during registration against existing account information.
• If you are an owner/officer of an existing business account, and you were not automatically linked to your account, please send an email to ChicagoBusinessDirect@CityofChicago.org with your User ID and the business account number (found on the bottom of your City of Chicago business license).
• If you are an authorized representative, and you need to be linked to a business account, send an authorization letter completed by an existing owner/officer to ChicagoBusinessDirect@CityofChicago.org. 

Please reach out via ChicagoBusinessDirect@CityofChicago.org for support or questions about registering with Chicago Business Direct.

Shared Housing Registration in Chicago

If you are interested in short-term rental of your residential unit (31 days or fewer) on a platform like VRBO, Booking.com, or Airbnb, please see guidance on the required registration process with the City of Chicago.

Determine Your Eligibility:

• Start with the Shared Housing Registration Guide for an overview of the full process.
• Not all residential units qualify for shared housing registration. Review the common eligibility criteria for shared housing units.
• Use the eligibility quiz for an unofficial determination of your unit’s eligibility.

Apply on the Shared Housing Registration Portal:

• Create an account on the Shared Housing Registration Portal.
• View the documents  required depending on your relationship to the property.
• Submit a Registration Application. Step-by-step instructions and application screenshots are available on the HELP page.
• Once submitted, track the application’s progress under “My Applications” on the Account Dashboard.

RFP for the Small Business Technology Enhancement Program

The City of Chicago is looking to award up to four (4) local non-profit organizations to create programming that equips small business owners with the tools and skills needed to succeed in a digital-first economy through one-on-one coaching, classroom-based instruction, and drop-in office hours. 

Program participants will receive training in online financial safety, digital marketing, eCommerce, and digital payment systems, along with access to free digital assets such as devices, reliable internet connectivity and shared learning spaces.

More: To view and apply for this RFP, visit the City’s eProcurement website and search for RFP #69292. 

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: 3rd Quarter NOF application deadline is Friday, August 14, 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

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