08/24/2026
The Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. All programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not -for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Chicago Business Direct Online Licensing Services
Certificate Categories Business Operations & Licensing Technology Finance
August 26th 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
This webinar will cover how to use Chicago’s online business licensing portal, Chicago Business Direct. Learn how to create a user profile, start a business license application, manage your existing licenses, and renew your licenses, all from the comfort of your home.
Own the Business? Own the Building
Certificate Categories Finance Legal Marketing
August 28th 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Presented by Kimberly Blair - AVP, Communications & Engagement at SomerCor
If you own a business, owning your building offers financial and operational benefits. Learn about the power of ownership and how the SBA 504 loan makes buying commercial real estate attainable - helping entrepreneurs stabilize costs, build equity, grow operations, and create a pathway to generational wealth.
Business Education Resources:
To view upcoming webinars, visit www.chicago.gov/businesseduction
To view past webinars, visit www.YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP
