Each summer, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) gathers the Neighborhood Business Development Centers across the city for ChiBizChat. We gathered at Malcolm X College last week for a morning of program updates and breakout sessions.
BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai shared insights into the 2025 Small Business Ecosystem Report, which grew out of roundtable discussions in 2025 and will inform policies and strategies to strengthen business growth in neighborhoods across the city. In addition:
- World Business Chicago presented their Chicago 2050 plan.
- The Chicago Department of Planning and Development presented their current and upcoming grant opportunities.
- Chicago’s Liquor Control Commissioner discussed the importance of community collaboration, overcoming small business operational hurdles, and resource sharing.
The day closed with a panel of aldermen, including our 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea. Among other things, he recommended that new business owners connect with their alderman’s office early and often, reach out if they ever need guidance—to both the alderman’s office and business association—and be transparent when applying for a business license.
Thanks to BACP for organizing, and to Alderman O’Shea for sharing his insights with the group.
