Business Licenses

The Small Business Center (SBC) issues business licenses and regulates the business activities of industries as diverse as retail, food and liquor establishments, entertainment venues and theaters, day care centers, manufacturing facilities and motor vehicle repair shops just to name a few.

Please go to our Business Licensing: What Do I Need? page to find:

  • Instructions on how to apply for a business license online or in-person;
  • A complete list of all City of Chicago business licenses;
  • Specific business license application requirements and more.

Please click on the "Get Started Online" button below to access Chicago Business Direct.


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