Business and Employment

Business Licensing and Resources

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection licenses businesses and public vehicles, provides business education and resources, protects consumers from fraud, and enforces Chicago’s labor laws.  Learn about Chicago business licensing and resources.

Applying for Unemployment

If you've lost your job due to the COVID-19 Crisis, you can apply for unemployment through the State of Illinois Department of Employment Services. Along with your personal and background information, you need the following documents and information on hand to complete your application:

  • Drivers license or state ID
  • Current residential and mailing address
  • Social security number
  • Last dates of employment
  • Number of days worked during the last employment period
  • Number of weeks earning $484 or more during last employment period

Employment Opportunities

Select industries, including healthcare, customer service, logistics, store operations, and facility management, are hiring during the COVID19 crisis. If you are looking for work, see positions available on Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.