Neighborhood Business Development Program (NBDC)

The Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) program provides grants to Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations to assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago. It also serves as a liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago and helps provide neighborhood business development services.

There are multiple program types within NBDC Grants, as seen in the graph below. The Uptown Chamber of Commerce and Uptown United are both a Place-Based Generalist and Cultural Specialist grant recipient. In addition, Uptown United is also a recipient of a Business Stage Specialist grant.

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

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.

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.