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City of Chicago Department FREE business education workshops are now available as WEBINARS!

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection
Published: November 29, 2021

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection’s
FREE business education workshops are now available as WEBINARS! 
Wednesday, December 1 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, December 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Webinar:
Understanding the 5C’s of Credit from a Lender’s Perspective
Presented by CIBC Bank USA
Whether you’re a business owner or thinking about starting your business; you will learn what you need to know about bank financing products during this discussion. We will talk about credit, capacity, collateral, character, capitalization and loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Register by visiting www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Chicago business owners, show your commitment to protecting Chicago by requiring proof of vax from patrons and employees. Complete the self-certification and post your badge at your business and on social media!
Learn more by visiting the Business Vax Self-Certification webpage.
Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and based on Chicago’s current local COVID-19 data, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring that everyone age two or older, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings. Masking remains optional in outdoor settings, where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower, though masks are recommended for unvaccinated individuals in crowded outdoor settings.
 
Under City of Chicago Public Health Order No. 2021-1, business must post signage indicating that masks are mandated for all customers in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. Signage is available to download by visiting Chicago.gov/Reopening, under the Resources drop-down menu, then Communication Resources. Chicago's Phase 5 Guidance is intended for all types of businesses and venues, customers, and employees in order to help maintain healthy environments and operations, as well as lower the risk of COVID-19 spread. 
 
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) hosted educational mask mandate webinars for businesses. The webinars are available to view by visiting YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP. Businesses seeking more information and guidance should visit Chicago.gov/reopening.
 
Thank you in advance for your continued efforts to keep your customers and employees safe and for following this new masking requirement.
Do you have a passion for this city and want to give back to your community through service?
Apply to join the Chicago Police Department(CPD).
You can take the exam to become a CPD officer at any City of Chicago College location during select dates in October and December. Visit chicagopolice.org/bethechange to get started.
The Mayor’s Chi Biz Strong Initiative reimagines the way we do business in Chicago.
This ambitious initiative implements lessons learned from the pandemic to deliver far-reaching and meaningful support to businesses and workers in three ways: 
  1. Immediate Financial Relief to support businesses as we move towards recovery
  2. Overhaul of City Business Policies to reduce red tape and be more business friendly
  3. Targeted Worker Protections to ensure that the rights and safety of workers are central to the recovery 
Reminders and Resources:
All BACP offices are open to limited members of the public. Please be advised that masks are required in all BACP facilities and six feet of social distancing must be maintained at all times. While offices are open to the public, we continue to strongly discourage in-person visits. Learn more about BACP’s operations.

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. 

Business Education Resources:
COVID-19 vaccines are available across Chicago for everyone age 5 and older – they are safe and effective, and the best way to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19 and its variants. All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no cost, no insurance and no government ID required. Learn more and find a vaccine by calling 312-746-4835 or visiting chi.gov/covidvax.
 
We thank all the Chicagoans who have already made the choice to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help protect themselves, their families, and Chicago.
 

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