Outreach & Education

The Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Chicago by providing a place  to connect with business resources and learn about starting  a business. Programs include free business workshops, evening business seminars and connecting businesses with important business resources.

2012 New Americans Small Business Series

The City of Chicago's Office of New Americans and the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection invite small business owners and entrepreneurs to a series of free expos offering business resources on financing, licensing process, tax laws and business networking. Click here for more information. 

Business Education Workshops

BACP offers Business Education Workshops throughout the year. The classes are free and open to the public and offered every Wednesday and Friday at BACP, located inside City Hall, 121. LaSalle St. in Room 805. Class topics focus on start up operations, financing, marketing and more. Classes are taught by industry professionals, not for profit agencies, and city employees.

If you plan on opening a business that requires a business license inspection, plan on attending the Licensing, Permits and Inspections 101 Workshop, offered every month. Another workshop is offered each month that will help entrepreneurs learn the process on How to Do Business with the City of Chicago. 

The Business Start-up Certificate Program

The Business Start-up Certificate Program is free and designed to teach any business owner the essential elements of starting and growing a business. Entrepreneurs can earn a Business Start-up Certificate when they complete a curriculum of BACP Business Education Workshops.

One-on-One Business Counseling- The Small Business Solution Station

This is where you can talk to an expert about a small business loan, ask legal questions or just get expert advice. The Small Business Solution Station offers free one-on-one business counseling for entrepreneurs. Counseling is offered at BACP located inside City Hall- Business Assistance Center, 121 N. LaSalle St. in room 800. The Solution Station is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Counseling is provided by our partner organizations, ACCION Chicago, SCORE and the Law Project. An appointment is not required, but can be arranged by calling 312-744-2086.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be at the Small Business Solution Station from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. the last Friday of every month. The IRS will have bilingual (Spanish/English) staff on hand for free one-on-one consultation for small business owners on all tax-related matters. Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312-744-2086 for more information. 

BACP relies on feedback from our customers to improve services. We take customer satisfaction seriously and measure our performance based on your input. Click the button above or the link below to provide feedback on your interaction with BACP. The survey will take no more than two minutes to complete.

• BACP Website Feedback
• Business Education Workshop Feedback
• Small Business Solution Station Feedback

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Supporting Information

• Free Business Counseling At BACP Solution Station
• Latino Small Business Expo
• Monthly Business Education Workshop Schedules
• New American Small Business Series