CHICAGO – Today, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the launch of “Chicago Business Licensing,” a free webinar series occurring monthly. The webinars will provide an overview of business license types, including the application process and required documents, as well as best practices for safe operations. There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions at the end of the webinar. As Chicago’s economic recovery continues, the business education webinars are a resource for current and future business owners. In 2022, BACP issued over 4,400 new business licenses to individuals looking to start their business in Chicago. Additionally, 84% of business licenses were renewed in 2022. Both signal that the spirit of entrepreneurship is strong and thriving in Chicago.

“The BACP business education webinars are a long-standing program designed to prepare and empower entrepreneurs and business owners for success,” said Kenneth J. Meyer, BACP Commissioner. “The webinars have proven to be a valuable resource for Chicago’s business community and this licensing series will provide the additional information needed to launch or expand a business in Chicago.”

The webinars will be presented by BACP Small Business Center staff, who are City of Chicago business licensing experts. Below are the upcoming Business Licensing Webinar Series dates and times:

• Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.: Retail Food Establishment Licensing

• Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.: Mobile Food Dispenser/Preparer Licensing

• Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.: Shared Housing Registration

• Wednesday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m.: Pop-Up Host/Operator Licensing

Additional webinars are forthcoming. To register for an upcoming webinar, visit Chicago.gov/BusinessEducation.

BACP regularly hosts business education webinars to inform and empower business owners and entrepreneurs to foster a sustainable, inclusive Chicago business community. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

Most businesses operating in the City of Chicago require a business license. The Small Business Center is the business licensing and permitting division of BACP and the City’s “one-stop-shop” for business licensing, public way use permitting and other resources to start or grow a business. Business Consultants at the Small Business Center can help applicants determine and obtain the appropriate license(s) for a business. Standard application requirements, documentation, and license-specific requirements may be found by visiting Chicago.gov/BusinessLicensing.

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