Business Education
BACP offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is committed to providing accessibility for all individuals, including people with disabilities. To request accessibility, please contact BACP at BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org, 312-744-6060. Although we will always work to fulfill your accessibility need, in order to ensure the best quality service is provided, we ask that you make request no later than 3 business days in advance of the event.
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education workshop and webinar series. For program details (enrollment, requirements, contact information, etc.) and to enroll go to Entrepreneur Certificate Program.
Disclaimer: This does not make your business certified with the City of Chicago. If you are interested in the City of Chicago M/W/VBE Certification program, please visit Chicago.gov/DPS.
Upcoming Webinars
Using Technology Tools to Maximize Profits
Presented by Shelby Parchman, InUrban Strategies, LLC
In today's fast-paced business world, technology has become a vital tool for enhancing profitability, even for those who may not consider themselves tech-savvy. This webinar is designed to introduce you to the fundamental ways in which technology can empower your business, increase efficiency, and boost your bottom line. Whether you're a small business owner, a manager, or an entrepreneur, this webinar is tailored to help you unlock the potential of technology without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Marketing, Technology, Business Planning
Register for the 12/1 Webinar
Wednesday, 12/6 at 3:00 PM
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
Presented by the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Inspections
Register for the 12/6
Friday, 12/8 at 9:30 AM
How to Write a Business Plan. What you need to know!
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner of Rockin Enterprises, Inc.
Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It's easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You'll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category:Business Planning, Business Operations, Marketing
Register for the 12/8 Webinar
Wednesday, 12/13 at 3:00 PM
Building your Value Proposition
Presented by Score Chicago
Without a value proposition, it is difficult to cultivate a market and to develop a business model to deliver the value of the business.
The Business Model Canvas is a powerful Business planning tool that helps entrepreneurs to strategize and execute. The 9 modules form an agile snapshot of key business domains that lay the foundation for viability. Among these modules, the Value Proposition is one of the most important. During this presentation, you will be introduced to the Business Model Canvas and be led through an exercise to articulate your own Value Proposition.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Business Planning, Technology, Marketing
Register for the 12/13 Webinar
Thursday, 12/14 at 2:00 PM
Empower Hour: Christmas Everyday
This month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Commissioner Ken Meyer chatting with Cassandra Lewis, President of Christmas Every Day.
We shine holiday spotlight on Christmas Every Day, a local nonprofit that is a participant on the BACP Nonprofit Capacity Building program. Christmas Every Day's mission is to share benevolence year-round, lighten and lift heavy hearts, bring smiles to sad faces, and comfort those in need of hope. One gift bag of joy at a time. Our vision is to restore families and communities by continually providing essentials that will better their daily living in desperate conditions.
The candid conversation will cover the start of the nonprofit, nonprofit operations, nonprofit capacity building, and utilizing resources. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Elective
Register for the 12/14 Webinar
Presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) members Faith Hurley and Stacy Callighan, the Co-founders of PinPoint Collective
It’s no longer enough for us as founders, business owners, or leaders to make vital business decisions based on mere assumptions about what we THINK people want. As we gear up for 2024, regardless of your industry or whether you offer products or services, start the year by getting to know your audiences better. Join us in this session, where we will talk about understanding your consumers' 'why,' driven by their authentic and individualized concerns and needs - the things that genuinely matter to them and fuel their purchasing behaviors. Use these insights to mold your branding, services, offerings, and messages to engage and expand your audience base.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Business Planning, Business Operations, Marketing
Business Licensing Series: Shared Kitchen User
Presented by City of Chicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Learn about Shared Kitchen User Licensing requirements including how to apply, required documents and inspections, frequently asked questions, and more.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Business Licensing, Business Planning, Business Operations
Register for the 12/20 Webinar
Friday, 12/22 at 9:30 AM
Get In The Know: Resources for Your Small Businesses
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Join us to learn more about the various business resources that the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection offers to existing or future entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own businesses. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the webinar.
Entrepreneurial Certificate Category: Business Planning, Business Operations, Financing Your Business
Register for the 12/22 Webinar
BACP wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season. There will be no webinars on the following dates:
- Wednesday, December 27, 2023
- Friday, December 29, 2023
- Wednesday, January 3, 2024
- Friday, January 5, 2024
We look forward to providing webinars in the New Year!
Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.
Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.