BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free program for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in Chicago to gain knowledge across various essential business topics.
Since the program launched, more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have successfully completed the program.
All Program graduates, based in Chicagoland, are eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP’s partner, CIBC Bank USA .
Program ENROLLMENT
STEP 1: Enroll in the program by signing up at the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program Portal. The portal makes it convenient to track your progress by automatically crediting you within 24 hours of attending webinars.
STEP 2: View and register for upcoming webinars at Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars (categories are always listed here). Attend 6 webinars from below categories within 6 months:
- City Inspections (monthly)
- Business Operations & Licensing
- Finance
- Legal
- Marketing
- Technology
STEP 3: Graduate from the program after attending 6 webinars. Within a week of attending the final webinar, your certificate will be made available on the Portal.
What other Entrepreneur Certificate Program Graduates have to say:
- The BACP Entrepreneur program was very informative. The program covered a lot of topics that a future business owner would need to be able to have a successful business. The speakers were very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks, BACP!
- It’s a great overall program to jump start your business journey.
- Entrepreneurship is a very difficult step to take in today’s business world. The BACP’s programs and services help facilitate our business by improving our knowledge skills to protect our own family business. This is our family’s future!!
- This a really good source of programs.
- I’ve learned a lot from all the ones that I have attended and think this is a great program for someone like me, who are first generation (woman/Latina).
- I’m thankful for this program!
- I liked the expo at Malcom X and I felt like this was a good stepping stone after that.
For program questions, please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312-744-2086
Disclaimers:
- Webinars attended prior to signing-up to the program will not qualify towards the program.
- The program and webinars are not affiliated with any educational institution.
- This program does not make your business certified with the City of Chicago.
- All financing decisions are made by CIBC Bank USA.
Yes! You have six (6) months as the maximum time limit to complete the program; you can finish it sooner.
You must attend one (1) webinar from each of the six (6) categories to complete the program.
If you are within 6 months of your start date, then you can continue the program.
No, this is a free program offered by BACP.
No, all are welcome to join the BACP Certificate Program regardless of their age. However, for CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan qualifications, please visit their Loan Information Page.
On completion of the program, you will be eligible to apply for our partner, CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan. All financial decisions are made by CIBC Bank USA but to learn more, please visit their Loan Information Page
It usually takes the portal 48 hours to reflect the credit. After 48 hours, if you still have this issue, please contact BACPOutreach@cityofchicago.org for assistance.
After you attend the final webinar, it takes the portal up to a week to have your certificate available.
Please contact BACPOutreach@cityofchicago.org for further assistance.
No, the Entrepreneur Certificate does not certify your business with the City of Chicago. For more information, and how to get certified please visit www.Chicago.gov/DPS.