The Small Business Center offers in-person business licensing assistance.

The Small Business Center licenses business in the City of Chicago. Your business activities determine the types of City business license(s) you need to obtain. Depending on your business activities, you may need more than one business license to operate your business in Chicago. Additionally, there are business activities regulated by the State of Illinois that may be exempt from City licensing.

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Before Your Visit:
1. Business Consultants at the Small Business Center serve customers on a first-come first-served basis.
2. Upon arrival, you will receive a ticket with your place in line. You may also obtain a ticket remotely before you arrive for certain services. Check estimated walk-in wait times before obtaining your ticket remotely, as you must be present in the Small Business Center when your ticket is called.
3. The SBC may experience longer than usual wait times between 11 AM and 3 PM.

How to Prepare for Your Visit:
1. If you are applying for a business license, complete a Business Information Sheet for processing at the Small Business Center.
2. Do not sign a lease or make any investments at your business premises before verifying with the City that your property is zoned properly. Visit Chicago.gov/BusinessLicensing under “Zoning Guide” for more information