City of Chicago Business Services

Links to Key City resources


Small Business Center
Small Business Center

City of Chicago Local Resource Site

Site Selector

Alderman Napolitano
41st Ward Office
(773) 631-2241

BACP
City of Chicago Calendar of Events Neighborhood Business Development Center Services

CAPS
Chicago 16th District Jefferson Park
5151 North Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
CAPS016District@chicagopolice.org
Phone: 312-742-4480
Fax: 312-742-4421
TTY: 312-742-4423

Click for information about the CAPS Program and monthly Beat Meetings

Hiring
City of Chicago Job link

Women's Business Development Center
Women’s Business development Center – helps women business owners successfully achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship

SCORE – For the Life of your business Workshops, Mentoring, Consulting, Bruce Montgomery 312-725-8601


Important Numbers

  • Many city services can be accessed at www.cityofchicago.org
  • Chicago Department of Buildings- (312) 743-3600
  • Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection- (312) 744-4006
  • Chicago Department of the Environment- (312) 744-7606
  • Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division- (312) 747-FOOD [3663]
  • Chicago Department of Procurement Services- (312) 744-4900747-4747
  • Chicago Department of Revenue- (312) 747-4747
  • Chicago Department of Zoning- (312) 744-5777
  • Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities- (312) 744-7050


Cook County

Cook County Assessor’s Office
Cook County Clerk’s Office


State of Illinois

Many state departments and programs can be found at www.state.il.us

State of Illinois Business Portal
A comprehensive resource of business information from across state government. Easily access start-up guides, forms, and other resources for starting, running, or changing a business in Illinois.
click here to learn more

Illinois Secretary of State Business Services

Illinois Business Gateway (to register your business online)

Illinois Department of Registration and Education and Department of Professional Regulation

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Illinois Department of Revenue
Business Hotline: (217) 524-4772

Illinois Liquor Control Commission
(312) 814-2206
100 W. Randolph, Ste. 7-801


Federal

U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA is a federal government agency that offers technical, regulatory, and financial support for the nation’s small businesses. The SBA has a plethora of government-guaranteed loan programs for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. The agency also links small businesses with technical assistance and questions dealing with taxes and federal regulatory issues. Their Chicago branch office is located in the Citicorp Center and has a large selection of business resources.
click here to learn more

Internal Revenue Service
By calling (800) 829-3676, you may request Small Business Tax Guide (Publication 334) or a CD “Small Business Resource Guide” containing instructions and forms. Tax reports may be required after three months in business, so request forms early.
Small Business Tax Guide (Publication 334)
Small Business Federal Tax Responsibilities


Business Lending Sources

Below is a list of community and SBA-certified commercial lending institutions. Always start your search for financing with the bank that knows you the best- your own.

Banks – For the complete list of SBA-certified commercial lenders, go to www.sba.gov


Links for Businesses


The following are links to sites that provide small businesses with valuable information and services.

ABC of Chicago links the strengths of arts and business, promoting community growth and vitality through the arts. www.artsbiz-chicago.org

The web site of Lumity, which provides low-cost information technology training to non-profits in Chicago. www.lumity.org

Community Media Workshop helps non-profits use the media more effectively through workshops and regular trainings. www.newstips.org

LEGAL ASSISTANCE – www.thelawproject.org

Looking for free legal assistance for your small business? Attend one of these Free Legal Clinics offered by The Law Project* and the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood Business Development Centers.

* The Law Project of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights provides free legal assistance, education and training to community based nonprofit organizations, low/moderate income entrepreneurs and low-income first time homebuyers. To learn more about The Law Project or apply for legal assistance visit www.thelawproject.org or contact us at tlp@thelawproject.org or 312-939-3638.