Dear Chicagoan,

For more than 30 years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve the City of Chicago and to work alongside the people, businesses, and organizations that make our city. As I prepare to retire from my role as BACP Commissioner, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Public service has taught me that a thriving economy depends on the strength and success of business owners, consumers, and workers. Each plays a vital role, and when these three sectors work together, our entire city benefits.

BACP Big Three: 

1. Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small business owners and farmers market operating in priority geographies across Chicago. The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment. For more information and to apply, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.
2. The Driver Resource Center (DRC) for City licensed Public Chauffeurs, including Transportation Network Provider (TNP) Drivers provides assistance in accessing direct representation, support and outreach and education services for all BACP Licensed Public Chauffeurs. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/DRC.
3. The second phase of the “Art is Labor” initiative, provides educational and resource-sharing programs developed with and for Chicago’s creative workers. For upcoming events and programming, visit Chicago.gov/CreativeWork.

As I look toward the future, I remain hopeful and confident in what is possible. Although I am retiring from public service, I am not retiring from my commitment to the small business community. Throughout my years of service, I have been inspired by the courage and determination of small business owners, and that inspiration has encouraged me to begin a new chapter as an entrepreneur myself. I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for our small business community from a new perspective, while carrying with me the lessons and experiences that public service has given me. 

To every business owner, worker, consumer, colleague, and community partner who allowed me to serve you: thank you. 

Ivan J. Capifali 

BACP Commissioner 

BACP hosted a graduation ceremony for the Entrepreneur Certificate Program. Program graduates who complete the free program become eligible to apply for a loan and are eligible for Credit for Prior Learning with City Colleges of Chicago. 

More: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate. 

WGN’s Daytime Chicago featured the BACP Chi Food Truck Fest, a popular weekly food festival held at Daley Plaza every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until October 2.

The segment highlighted the diverse culinary experiences available at the fest and encouraged Chicagoans to enjoy food from local food truck operators.

More: Chicago.gov/FoodTruckFest

Mayor Brandon Johnson and BACP launched the Neighborhood Market Grant Program to support small business owners and farmers market operators to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city.

Eligible small business owners and market operators can apply by Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.

More: Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

Learn about resources for businesses, workers and consumers by visiting Chicago.gov/BACP

Mayor Brandon Johnson and BACP launched a new grant program designed to support small business owners and farmers market operators, providing funding to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city.

Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small food businesses operating in priority geographies across Chicago. The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment. 

Eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application materials for small business owners and market operators are available in English and Spanish.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.

More: Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

On July 16, 2026, BACP hosted its bi-annual Entrepreneur Certificate Program Graduation Ceremony at Malcolm X College, celebrating the accomplishments of more than 100 aspiring and established entrepreneurs who successfully completed the program between March, 2024 to June, 2026.

The ceremony featured inspiring keynote addresses from two Entrepreneur Certificate Program alumni, Latoya Stampley, Founder and CEO of Stampley Technology & Management, LLC, and Penelope Crawford, Founder and Owner of Penelope’z Unique Apparel, a boutique fashion business located in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community.

The Entrepreneur Certificate Program provides Chicago entrepreneurs with educational resources, training and guidance designed to help them start, strengthen and grow their businesses. The graduation ceremony serves as a celebration of their dedication while highlighting BACP’s continued commitment to supporting Chicago’s small business community.

More: Chicago.gov/BACPcertificate

Emergency Transport of Mobility Device Expansion

The new citywide service to ensure the safe retrieval and transport of mobility devices following medical emergencies that occur in public locations marks a significant milestone in improving services for Chicago residents with disabilities and demonstrates the City's continued commitment to accessibility, innovation, and equity.  

This program establishes a coordinated citywide process to recover, transport, securely store when necessary, and return manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices to owners following emergency incidents, including those that may require emergency medical care or transport to a hospital. 

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.

More: 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)

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. 

Art is Labor 2.0

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched the second phase of the “Art is Labor” initiative, which provides educational and resource-sharing programs developed with and for Chicago’s creative workers.

Through December 2026, creative workers and their employers can attend events, film screenings held in partnership with the Chicago Film Office, and webinars on the City of Chicago’s labor laws, connecting participants with organizational partners across the creative sector who are advancing worker rights through their own programs and initiatives.  

More: Chicago.gov/CreativeWork

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.

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, October 7, 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.

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

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.

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: 4th Quarter NOF application deadline is Friday, November 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

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