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BACP Business Workshops June 2021 (Free)

Published: June 1, 2021

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection’s
FREE business education workshops are now available as WEBINARS! 
Wednesday, June 2 at 3:00 p.m.
Webinar:
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers 
Presented by the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.
Register by visiting www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Friday, June 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Webinar:
Contracting, Certification and Compliance with the City of Chicago
Presented by Department of Procurement Services (DPS) 
This informational session will highlight the role and responsibility of DPS in the City of Chicago’s purchasing process and how businesses can learn about opportunities, as well as the certification process for minority, women-owned, veteran-owned and disadvantaged businesses.
Register by visiting www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Reminders and Resources:
Chicago Reopening Guidelines
The City of Chicago has developed industry-specific guidelines for safely operating within Phase IV: Gradually Resume. These guidelines are part of the city’s Be Safe Chicago framework that will be used to guide Chicago’s reopening process amid COVID-19. Please review the guidelines to keep your business in compliance.
Tips to Protect Chicago's Businesses
The City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for the potential for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest. You can view the proactive steps businesses can take to stay protected which include signing up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts, joining Chicago's Public Private Partnership Initiative, and staying alert.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers
Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations, often referred to as Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC), assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serve as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and provide neighborhood business development services. They have have a strong neighborhood network and coordinate efforts with local aldermen, the City, and other community partners. They can help start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Find your local NBDC by visiting chicago.gov/NBDC. 
Extension of Business Relief
As a reminder, last month the Chicago City Council passed a law to extend critical regulatory relief into 2021. The following measures are now in place:
  • Extension of License Expiration Dates: All licenses that expire between March 15, 2020 and June 15, 2021 will be considered active until July 15, 2021 and those businesses can operate during that time without renewing their license or paying a fee.
  • Extension of Sidewalk Café Permit Expiration Date and Extension of Reforms: All current Sidewalk Café Permits will be considered active through May 31, 2021 and businesses with a Sidewalk Café Permit can operate their current Sidewalk Cafes until that date without renewing. Additionally, all Sidewalk Café Permits issued for the 2021 season will benefit from the temporary reforms implemented in 2020: permit fee reduction of 75%, the ability to extend in front of neighboring property and an expedited permit issuance process.
  • Extension of Expanded Outdoor Dining Program: The Expanded Outdoor Dining Program, through which bars and restaurants can operate outside on private property or closed streets, has been extended to last through the end of 2021.
Business Education Resources:
Everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination! All City-operated vaccination sites offering Pfizer vaccine will be open to youth age 12 to 15. Chicagoans can look for vaccine appointments at zocdoc.com/vaccine or use the City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to identify additional vaccine providers. New appointments will be added frequently, and people are encouraged to check back. To learn about Chicago’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, visit www.chicago.gov/covidvax.

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