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Business Affairs & Consumer Protection Resources
Free March Webinars
Access Capital to Buy or Renovate Your Small Business Space
March 11th 2026
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by Kimberly Brisky, Managing Director of Communications & Engagement at SomerCor
The SBA 504 loan, Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant, and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant, are targeted financing solutions for small businesses looking to make real estate purchases and/or permanent building improvements. This presentation will provide details on eligibility rules, benefits, application instructions, and client success stories on these impactful capital resources. SomerCor is a non-profit lender, certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and contracted by the City of Chicago to administer the SBIF and NOF
Register
Chicago Small Biz Expo
March 12th 2026
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series.
The first expo in this series will be held remotely on March 12th – register today to: Gain expert insights. Be inspired and find answers. Learn actionable strategies. Get access to resources. Expand professional network. For more details, including the agenda, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo
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Register
Building Your Social Media Strategy & Your Personal Brand to Build Your Business
March 13th 2026
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Liz Short, founder of Short Solutions
Every small business owner knows they should be on social media to grow their business, but most struggle to actually do it consistently. The problem isn't knowing what to post - it's overcoming the paralysis, perfectionism, and cringe factor that keeps you from starting. Liz Short, founder of Short Solutions and creator of the "Get Social Done" methodology, will share the execution framework she uses with clients to go from social media paralysis to consistent action. You'll learn why consistency matters more than quantity, how to create content that's authentically you (not just another template), and how to push through the inevitable awkwardness. Leave with a practical action plan, content strategy framework, and permission to be imperfect while you build your personal brand and your business.
Register
Proposed Rule Updates for Worker Protections
March 17th 2026
10:00 am to 11:15 am
Presented by Adam Weller, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Labor Standards
The Chicago Office of Labor Standards is updating its Rules for various Chicago labor protection Ordinances. Employers and workers are encouraged to join to learn about the proposed updates and how they can submit public comments to the proposed changes.
Register
Actualizaciónes propuestas a las reglas de protecciónes para trabajadores
March 19th 2026
10:00 am to 11:15 am
Presentado por Miguel Campos, Director, Oficina de Normas Laborales
La Oficina de Normas Laborales de Chicago está actualizando las reglas para varias ordenanzas de protecciones laborales de Chicago. Se invita a los empleadores y trabajadores a participar para aprender sobre las actualizaciones propuestas y cómo pueden enviar comentarios públicos sobre dichos cambios.
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Ways to Finance Your Business
March 20th 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.
Register
Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.
Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.
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