The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), along with their community partners Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC) and Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC), today announced a series of upcoming workshops for entrepreneurs can learn more about the new, and innovative, “Pop-Up” business license types.

With the new Pop-Up User business licenses, retail entrepreneurs and restaurateurs will be able to obtain an affordable short-term license which will enable them to operate in any temporary commercial location. Previously, most business owners seeking to operate temporary establishments were required to obtain a full two-year business license tied to a single location. Conversely, the owners of commercial locations, with appropriate kitchen equipment, who want to host licensed pop-up restaurateurs, will be able to obtain a Pop-Up Food Establishment Host business license, which provides them with the ability to lease or rent out their vacant establishments during their license period. Applications for all Pop-Up business license types will be processed by BACP’s Small Business Center (SBC) starting in December.

Workshops are free and will take place throughout the city:

• November 9, 9-11 am at Quad Communities Development Corporation, 4210 S. Berkeley Ave.
• November 16, 9-11 am at Greater Southwest Development Corporation, 2601 W. 63rd St.
• November 27, 9-11 am at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Room 1108
• November 28, 3-4:30 pm at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805
  Training will be run by BACP as part of regular Business Education Workshops
• December 4, 9-11 am at Harry Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.

Unless otherwise noted, training sessions will be conducted by experts from QCDC and GSDC.

“This Pop-Up User license gives entrepreneurs the flexibility to test drive their product or concept in different city neighborhoods for short-term periods of time,” said Rosa Escareno, Commissioner of BACP. “Business owners have been asking for this license and we listened! Thank you to our partners for their help in getting the good news out to the community.”

“This program will assist with filling vacant storefronts in many Chicago neighborhoods as well as provide a vehicle for small home-based cottage businesses to grow and expand,” said Rhonda McFarland, Executive Director of Quad Communities Development Corporation. “We look forward to working with the city to make this initiative a success.” 

For more details on the Pop-Up business licenses, check out the BACP website. This Pop-Up initiative was the latest in Mayor Emanuel’s reforms to support small business growth and promote innovation in Chicago.

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