
The Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Wednesday, 1/25 at 3:00 PM
Chicago Business Licensing: Retail Food License
Presented by City of Chicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Learn about Retail Food licensing, including the application process and required documents, as well as best practices for safe operations. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar.
Part of the BACP business licensing webinar series
Friday, 1/27 at 9:30 AM
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Presented by Sandra Cavoto Insurance Agency
In this session, attendees will learn the coverages needed for their business. We'll discuss the right questions to ask your insurance professional and how to protect yourself and your business against lawsuits.
Wednesday, 2/1 at 3:00 PM
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
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.
Friday, 2/3 at 9:30 AM
A New Pitch in the New Year
Presented by Myeisha Grady, Business Advisor, Access to Capital Program and Services, Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)
It’s a new year with a new business or maybe new services or products have been added to your current business. What a perfect time to work on your business pitch. This interactive session will provide you with tips and tools to update your business pitch to help you get to the next level!
Reminders and Resources:
Tips to Protect Chicago's Businesses
The City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for the potential for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest. You can view the proactive steps businesses can take to stay protected which include signing up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts, joining Chicago's Public Private Partnership Initiative, and staying alert.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers
Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations, often referred to as Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC), assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serve as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and provide neighborhood business development services. They have have a strong neighborhood network and coordinate efforts with local aldermen, the City, and other community partners. They can help start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Find your local NBDC by visiting chicago.gov/NBDC.
Business Education Resources:
To view upcoming webinars, visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
To view past webinars, visit www.YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP