Small Business Advocacy
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) supports the small business ecosystem of Chicago, and promotes economic development, through its Small Business Advocacy division composed of three units: Economic Recovery, The Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) Program, and Neighborhood Strategy. Review the programs' descriptions below for the most helpful assistance.




Economic Recovery
BACP is responsible for distributing approximately $50 million of the CRP to support the equitable economic recovery of Chicago. BACP will focus on three core areas. Learn more by clicking on the programs below.
Small Business Support Storefront Activations
Non-Profit Capacity Building Phase 1
Food Equity Community Growers
Neighborhoods that are predominantly low- income communities have less access to healthy food and experience greater food insecurity and food-related illnesses. This issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increases in food insecurity across the nation and in Chicago. (BACP) will provide funding to one nonprofit organization to serve as a lead delegate agency for the Community Growers Program.
EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth & Equity) Initiative
Creating fair, equal and equitable access to public and private contracts in Chicago
Neighborhood Strategy
BACP is responsible for providing small businesses and start-up entrepreneurs resources to thrive in their communities. Learn more about the programs offered below.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC)
Chicago Business Centers (CBC)
COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach for Employers (CVOE)