CHICAGO –Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced grantees of BACP Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) Program. For the first time, the NBDC Program will serve business owners and entrepreneurs in every ward of Chicago. The strategic coverage will ensure all businesses, regardless of location, have access to vital resources and support for economic growth. The selected NBDC grantees will specialize in providing business guidance, technical assistance and innovative programming tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and business owners. From start-up guidance to growth strategies, the nonprofit local business service organizations, such as economic development corporations and chambers of commerce, will empower businesses to contribute to the city’s vibrant economic landscape. To view the full list of 2025/2026 BACP NBDC Program grantees, visit Chicago.gov/NBDC.

"On behalf of the City, I congratulate this round of Neighborhood Business Development Center grantees and thank them for supporting the start and growth of local businesses," said Mayor Johnson. "I am proud to expand the NBDC program citywide to enhance the grantees' impact on our business community and further the vitality of our city. My administration remains committed to fostering an inclusive and robust economy for all to participate and thrive in.”

“This round of grant funding marks a new chapter in how we support our small business community,” said BACP Acting Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “Through the BACP Neighborhood Business Development Center Program, we can reach business owners and entrepreneurs citywide to foster equitable economic opportunities and reinforce our commitment to small business success.”

Highlights of the NBDC Program:
• Citywide Coverage: Grantees will serve all 50 wards of Chicago, ensuring entrepreneurs have equal access to business support services.
• Tailored Business Assistance: Grantees will focus on addressing challenges faced by small businesses, such as access to capital.
• Collaborative Support: Grantees have a strong neighborhood network and coordinate efforts with local aldermen, the City and other community partners.

Grantees of the $3.3 million NBDC program will deliver no-cost business assistance programs that benefit communities in every corner of the city. The grantees represent a diverse range of expertise and competency, ensuring services are inclusive and reflective of the city’s rich entrepreneurial spirit.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the City of Chicago to assist entrepreneurs from our community," said Karen Freeman-Wilson, President and CEO, Chicago Urban League. "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and the support we receive from the city allows us to ensure that these business owners have everything they need to provide goods and services, employment and philanthropic support in neighborhoods throughout the city."

“The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is honored for this opportunity to foster collaboration and strengthen the network of small business advisors across Chicago,” said Laura Austin, Executive Director, Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. “Now more than ever, staying connected and supporting one another is essential to building a resilient and flourishing small business community. Each organization brings unique strengths to this city, and we are eager to cultivate a space where we can uplift each other and grow together. We thank Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection for their trust and commitment to this initiative, and we are excited to get to work in shaping a stronger, more connected Chicago.”

NBDC grantees will work in partnership with BACP to provide business owners and entrepreneurs expert business consultations, training and resources to support key City priorities. NBDC grantees will also serve as conduits for sharing BACP business-related information to the business community. NBDC grantees can help start-up entrepreneurs, and existing business owners, with information about a particular neighborhood, getting a new small business started, connecting businesses to financial resources, networking opportunities, connecting to the local community and more.

For more information about the NBDC program, visit Chicago.gov/NBDC.

                                                                                                                                 ###