Business Tools

Discover a variety of tools, workshops, and opportunities offered by the City of Chicago and the 30th Ward. Stay tuned for upcoming updates and ways to get involved!

We’re excited to share that our office is co-hosting the Northwest Side Job Fair on Friday, December 5th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Kilbourn Park - 3501 N Kilbourn Ave.

This event is hosted by State Rep. Will Guzzardi and co-hosted by Ald. Ruth Cruz, State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

The Job Fair will feature employers from the government, nonprofit, and private sectors, along with community organizations offering interview coaching, résumé help, and CV reviews — all to help folks prepare for new opportunities.

If you are an employer or organization interested in tabling, please register here.

Thanks for helping us spread the word and connect our community with great opportunities!

The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for new concession opportunities for 2026, which presents a substantial opportunity for small businesses.

Key Dates:

Application Due Date: Friday, November 21, 2025, at 3:00PM

Recommendation of Award: February 2026

Concession operations ready for 2026 concession season: Memorial Day Weekend 2026

Small Business Improvement Grant

📣 Calling All Avondale Business Owners!

Do you own or operate a commercial or industrial property in Avondale that needs repair or improvements? You may qualify for a Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant from the City of Chicago.

What is it?
The SBIF program offers grants to help cover costs for façade repairs, roof repair, doors/windows, signage, and other eligible improvements. It’s meant to help small businesses maintain and enhance their properties.

Why apply?

Offset repair or upgrade costs
Improve curb appeal
Increase the safety and value of your property
Support long-term business growth

How to get started:

Visit the official SBIF page to review eligibility, guidelines, and application instructions.
Gather required documents (property info, cost estimates, permits, etc.).
Complete and submit the application by the deadline.

More info & application link:

City of Chicago — SBIF

BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free program for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in Chicago to gain knowledge across various essential business topics.

Since the program launched, more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have successfully completed the program.

All Program graduates, who meet criteria and are based in Chicagoland, are eligible to apply for:

the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP’s partner, CIBC Bank USA .
college credit with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Read more.

Workforce Solutions Program

The City of Chicago provides financial assistance for job training through the Workforce Solutions program managed by the Department of Planning and Development. The program subsidizes training for incumbent workers and new hires for qualified Chicago businesses.

Workforce Solutions reimbursement grants are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and proceeds from the 2025 Housing and Economic Development Bond. Reimbursement grants up to $250,000 may fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid.

The program is administered by Employment and Employer Services on behalf of the City of Chicago.