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, Chicago Supplier Development Program, and Neighborhood Strategy. Review the programs' descriptions below for the most helpful assistance.
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.
Urban Agriculture
Reducing the barriers to urban agriculture by supporting urban growers with access to land, resources to build long-term sites, and technical support.
Economic Recovery
The City of Chicago was allocated funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARP”). Through an extensive process of community engagement, consultation and analysis, the City developed an integrated plan designed to drive transformational change called the Chicago Recovery Plan. BACP is responsible for distributing funds through programs that support the equitable economic recovery of Chicago.
Programs designed to ensure a strong recovery for the small business community.
Technical assistance and capacity building services for disproportionately impacted nonprofits, helping to stabilize and scale their operations.
Programs focused on increasing food equity in communities with a history of disinvestment by providing funds to entrepreneurs who are part of the food ecosystem and funding local food incubators.
Behind the Business License
The video series, “Behind the Business License,” provides in-depth conversations between a small business owner, Neighborhood Business Development Center, and Chief Small Business Officer about Chicago’s small business community.
Chicago Supplier Development Program
BACP supports and advocates for our small business ecosystem by creating robust initiatives and programs that target small business enterprises, assisting their increased participation in economic development and government contracting.