The NBDC Program program provides grants to Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations, to 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.
There are multiple types of program types within NBDC Grants (see photo below). The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is an NBDC Place-Based Generalist. As a Place-Based Generalist, the OTMRA provides NBDC standard business development assistance, which includes but is not limited to helping business owners and entrepreneurs apply for business license(s) and public way use permit(s), helping navigate City government, developing a business plan, marketing assistance, product/service/workforce development, access to training and resources, assistance with COVID-related business supports as well as reopening guidelines, at a hyper-local level.
For help utilizing NBDC programming resources, please schedule an appointment with us at 312-951-6106, or by emailing OTMRA@oldtownchicago.org.
Additional Resources
BACP RESOURCES
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) licenses, educates, regulates and empowers Chicago businesses to grow and succeed as well as, receives and processes consumer complaints. BACP provides bi-weekly and monthly informative sessions to help businesses act responsibly and create economic vitality and vibrant communities for the people in Chicago. BACP educates small business and consumers to ensure the public is protected against fraudulent practices. BACP investigates for business compliance in areas such as: sales practices, fuel, natural gas, electricity, durable and non durable merchandise and services. The Department also enforces rules and regulations relating to liquor establishments, measures and weighs, public chauffeurs, public passenger vehicles, ambulances, and transportation network providers.
CITY OF CHICAGO SMALL BUSINESS CENTER (SBC)
The Small Business Center (SBC) is the business licensing division of the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the City’s “ONE-STOP-SHOP” for business licensing, public way use permitting, and connecting entrepreneurs to business resources. Learn more about the SBC services the City of Chicago provides here.
CITY OF CHICAGO RESOURCES
Find local services, read about the latest programs and initiatives, and stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 information on the City of Chicago’s website.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins – Access constituent resources, view community development meetings, and view updates about ongoing planning and development projects in the 2nd Ward.
27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett – Call 312-432-1995 or email info@aldermanburnett.com to access the services of the 27th Ward while Alderman Burnett’s website is under construction.