Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Celebrate National Small Business Week

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Celebrate National Small Business Week

Resources aim to strengthen local businesses and advance economic growth across every Chicago neighborhood.

CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the celebration of National Small Business Week (NSBW), taking place May 4 through May 9, recognizing the essential role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in driving Chicago's economy, creating jobs, and strengthening neighborhoods. NSBW, sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the vital contributions of small businesses in our communities and city.

"Small businesses are the heart of Chicago's communities," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This National Small Business Week, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who power our local economy and strengthen our neighborhoods. My administration is committed to making it easier to start, grow, and sustain a business-by simplifying city processes and investing in neighborhood commercial corridors so opportunity reaches every corner of Chicago."

"BACP is focused on creating a supportive business environment where entrepreneurs can navigate City processes with confidence and access the tools they need to grow and thrive in Chicago," said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. "From first-time entrepreneurs to long-standing neighborhood staples, we are providing clearer pathways, stronger support systems, and practical tools to help businesses."

In recognition of NSBW, BACP will host a series of free educational webinars designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners:

• Tuesday, May 5th at 10:00 a.m. | How to Apply for a Business License presented by BACP

• Wednesday, May 6th at 3:00 p.m. | City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers presented by the City of Chicago

• Thursday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. | City Programs and Resources for Your Small Business presented by the City of Chicago

• Friday, May 8th at 9:30 a.m. | Starting and Financing Your Small Business presented by Allies for Community Business

To learn more and register, visit Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars.

Additional BACP efforts and resources include:

• Highlighting the Shop Local Chicago campaign: The campaign outlines the benefits of shopping local such as the shopping experience, workforce contribution and local economy boost. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/ShopLocal.

• Partnering with business advocacy organizations: BACP will continue its collaboration with organizations like the U.S. SBA and Neighborhood Business Development Centers to amplify the reach of business educational materials and initiatives. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/NBDC.

• Utilizing social media: Throughout the week, BACP will share business information on its social media platforms using #SmallBusinessWeek to build awareness. To follow BACP on social media, visit Chi.gov/BACPupdates.

• Empowering businesses with detailed license application information online: BACP's website now features easy to read, comprehensive guidance on how to obtain a business license including pages featuring required documents and application steps. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BusinessLicensing.

• Promoting the BACP Behind the Business License video series: Each episode details a business owner sharing their experiences of working with the City of Chicago and their local business service organization. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BTBL.

• Celebrating business ownership: A selfie station is located outside of the Small Business Center on the 8th Floor of City Hall to serve as a creative and engaging way to celebrate the accomplishments of business owners. BACP encourages newly licensed businesses to share their selfie photos on social media and tag @ChicagoBACP. BACP shares photos to encourage participation, boost visibility and build community among small business owners.

"The U.S. Small Business Administration is proud to stand alongside Chicago's small business community," said Willette LeGrant, SBA Illinois District Director. "Entrepreneurs are driving innovation and expanding opportunity across our communities, and we are committed to connecting them with the capital, guidance, and contracting resources they need to grow and succeed."

"National Small Business Week is an important reminder of the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth and strengthening our communities," said Rhonda McFarland, Executive Director, Quad Communities Development Corporation. "As a community-level business service organization, we are committed to providing small businesses with the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive from start-up through growth and expansion."

For more information about BACP programs and services, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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