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Business Affairs & Consumer Protection Resources
Free April Webinars
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
April 1st 2026
3:00 pm to 4:15 pm
Presented by the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.
Register
Doing Business with the City of Chicago
April 3rd 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS), Jezieel Cortes, Managing Deputy of Certification and Compliance
Join this informative webinar to learn about reducing certification timelines in alignment with Mayor Johnson’s “Cut the Tape” initiatives. You will gain insights on how to identify roadblocks and ensure that goals are measured in ways that align with the mayor’s key pillars .Participants will also learn about: SBI and MBI contracts, Lead Line Replacement Program and the City Buying Plan.
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Cómo Empezar un Negocio
April 8th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presentado por el Centro de Desarrollo para Empresas Pequeñas de Illinois en la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Illinois
Este webinar cubrirá los pasos básicos para comenzar un negocio. Los participantes aprenderán sobre cómo elegir una estructura empresarial, cómo obtener un FEIN (Número de Identificación de Empleador Federal) y la importancia de obtener los permisos o licencias comerciales necesarias a nivel local. La sesión también ofrecerá una visión general de consideraciones clave al iniciar un negocio, ayudando a los emprendedores a comenzar en el camino correcto con los registros y requisitos de cumplimiento adecuados.
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Build a Brand That Stands Out
April 10th 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by Center for Changing Lives (CCL)
This workshop provides an overview of the fundamentals of branding for small business owners. Participants will learn the key components of a strong brand, including brand identity, messaging, visual elements, and consistency across platforms, and gain practical insights to begin strengthening their brand.
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Banking Services Available for Small Businesses
April 15th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by Wintrust Bank
In this webinar you will learn how to identify the banking services commonly available to a small business including business checking, business debit card and credit cards. You will learn about financing receivables, purchasing inventory, lines of credit and term loans. You will also learn about cash management services, merchant services and payroll processing. Last, you will learn how the services work and identify the advantages and disadvantages of banking services for your business.
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Empower Hour: Teamwork Englewood
April 16th 2026
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
In honor and recognition of Reentry (Second Chance) Month, April’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Mark M. Mitchell, Associate Director at Teamwork Englewood.
Teamwork Englewood’s goal is to unite the many organizations serving Englewood residents and work toward the common goal of building a stronger community. The organization is a capacity builder and a catalyst for positive community change, focused on services to special needs populations and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for all residents. One of their programs is to provide holistic services and advocacy for returning residents. Their multifaceted strategies–legal support, innovative job training, community education, and more–are designed to empower participants by facilitating access to opportunities that they historically have not had. Bridging the gap between release from incarceration and successful reintegration into society is not only a win for the Greater Englewood community, but it is a social and economic win for the city of Chicago at large.
The candid conversation will cover the start and growth of the nonprofit, identifying community needs, partnerships and collaborations across public agencies and local partners. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions.
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How to Shift Stuck Relationships, Stalled Decisions, and High-Stakes Conversations
April 17th 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Katie Kolon, JD, MA, Founder and CEO of Mutual Ground Strategies
In business, tension often shows up indirectly—through delayed decisions, strained working relationships, or conversations people avoid because the stakes feel too high. In these moments, relying on reason alone is often not enough to create movement. This session offers a perspective shaped by years of work with high-stakes conflict and explores how focusing on emotions, needs, and values can shift attention from being right to understanding what matters.
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The Blueprint for a Winning Pitch
April 22nd 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by Score Chicago
In this fast-moving session, get a "masterclass" from SCORE Chicago mentor and subject matter expert Jim Jaffe on how to structure a 12-slide pitch that gets funded. This is a time-tested framework that organizes your vision into a powerful, coherent narrative. Then, hear from a panel of past pitch competition winners and current business owners on how they put together their pitches, won substantial cash prizes, and moved their businesses forward. They represent the innovation and diversity of Chicago entrepreneurs and small business owners. There will be time for a Q&A session at the end of this session.
Register
Entity Selection and Formation
April 24th 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by the Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
The purpose of this workshop will be to help founders understand various factors to consider when deciding what type of entity to form. We will focus on corporations and limited liability companies and explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
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How to Apply for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit
April 29th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Sidewalk cafes provide restaurants an opportunity to expand their footprint to serve customers outside. This webinar will cover sidewalk cafe basics including sidewalk cafe operational conditions and requirements, as well as how to apply for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit, which is required to operate a sidewalk cafe in Chicago.
Register
Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.
Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.
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