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Business Affairs & Consumer Protection Resources
August Webinars
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
August 5th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 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
Ways to Finance Your Business
August 7th 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and CIBC Bank USA
Whether you are a business owner or thinking about starting one; this webinar will teach the basics about bank financing. You will receive information about loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, you will learn about the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program as a resource that makes you eligible to apply for CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan.
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Pitch-Ready: From Business Plan to Investor/Customer-Ready Presentation
August 12th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by Cheryl Hudson-Jackson, YWCA Chicago
In this webinar, you will learn the fundamentals of a business pitch using your business plan. You will learn how to use your business plan to build an Investor/Customer-Ready Presentation that helps bring in more customers and business.
Register
Business Bookkeeping Basics
August 14th 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Want to learn what small business bookkeeping entails and why is it important to keep records for your business? Join Sabina Loving, A4CB Senior Business Coach, to learn about types of records small business owners are required to keep, how long to keep your records, and how to format your records.
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The Start-Up Challenge: Is Your Dream Built to Succeed?
August 19th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by Score Chicago
Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, do you know what the start-up journey is like? Or what initial steps you need to take? This webinar will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream. The webinar will also cover gauging market potential and evaluating competition to give you a competitive edge. Topics Covered in the Start-up Webinar: · Identifying Best Entrepreneurial Traits · Assessing Product/Service Viability · Navigating Organization Structure and Regulations · Avoiding Failure · Highlighting Best Support Platforms, Websites & Podcasts · Introducing How AI Can Assisit.
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Empower Hour: Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream
August 20th 2026
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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. Missing her family and friends, she moved back to Chicago, and in just a few years, her life would never be the same. 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!
In addition to delivering delicious ice cream, Ida uses her business as a vessel for change by hosting Ice Cream Social Awareness nights. Over ice cream, attendees discuss social justice issues and brainstorm ways to create social change in their communities. Additionally, she partners with organizations such as the North Lawndale Employment Network to help members of the community train and develop new skills
The candid conversation will cover the start and growth of the organization, community engagement, and career transitions. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions
Register
Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.
Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.
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