CHICAGO – Today, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced its outreach and education efforts aligned with National Small Business Week (NSBW), occurring April 30-May 5, 2023. NSBW is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the vital contributions of small businesses in our communities and city. To assist small businesses, BACP will host business education webinars for current and future business owners to start, grow, and sustain their business. The Shop Local Chicago campaign reinforces the importance of small businesses to our workforce and economy and drives consumers to make the conscious decision to shop local. For more information, visit Chi.gov/ShopLocal.

“Small businesses have a big impact,” said BACP Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. “During National Small Business Week, we recognize the inspirational achievements and contributions small businesses have in our communities and local economy. BACP is dedicated to providing personalized licensing support, accessible resources, and valuable connections to businesses in all steps of their entrepreneurial journey.”

NSBW, is led by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and co-hosted by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses. During NSBW, the SBA recognizes the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of America’s small businesses, and celebrates their contributions to the economy.  Throughout the week, BACP will share business information on its social media platforms using #NSBW2023.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate their resilience, innovation, and contributions to our communities,” said SBA Illinois District Director Robert Steiner. “The SBA is proud to collaborate with BACP as we support these entrepreneurs as they navigate challenges, grow their businesses, and create jobs.”

The BACP free business education webinars are a long-standing program designed to prepare and empower entrepreneurs and business owners for success. In recognition of NSBW, BACP will hold educational webinars on:

• Tuesday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m., the U.S. Small Business Administration will present a webinar titled, “SBA Resources and Updates for Your Business.”
• Wednesday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m., the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will present a webinar titled, “City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers.”
• Thursday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m., the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will present a webinar titled, “La Importancia de un Plan de Negocios.” The webinar will be presented in Spanish.
• Friday, May 5 at 9:30 a.m., the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection will present a webinar titled, “Get in the Know: Resources for Your Small Businesses.”

Learn more and register by visiting Chicago.gov/BusinessEducation.

Additionally, the SBA NSBW Virtual Summit will take place May 2-3, 2023. This year’s virtual summit will include educational presentations by experts, an exhibit hall, networking, and a mentoring lounge. Register for the free event by visiting Sba.gov/national-small-business-week.
 

Most businesses operating in the City of Chicago require a business license. The Chicago 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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