Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) Overview: Managed by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), the NBDC Program comprises over 70 local business service organizations that offer no-cost, hyper-local business development assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the city. Opportunities: Business development, navigation of city processes, community marketing.

Website: chicago.gov – NBDC

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce – SBDC Overview: The SBDC provides expert advice, workshops, and resources to help entrepreneurs start new businesses or grow existing ones. Opportunities: Strategic growth, market insights, advocacy.

Website: chicagolandchamber.org/sbdc

Cook County Small Business Source Overview: A one-stop hub for free expert business advising, grants, and resources. Opportunities: Access to funding, business planning, expert consultants.

Website: cookcountysmallbiz.org

Allies for Community Business (A4CB) Overview: A4CB collaborates with over 50 business support organizations through the Chicago Inclusive Growth Coalition to assist entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. Opportunities: Loans, coaching, and connections to a wide network of support.

Website: a4cb.org

LISC Chicago – Business Development Organizations Overview: LISC’s network supports entrepreneurs at all stages, providing technical assistance and funding, with a focus on entrepreneurs of color, women, and other systemically disadvantaged groups. Opportunities: Grants, technical assistance, capacity-building.

Website: lisc.org/chicago

 Chicago Urban League Overview: Promotes economic empowerment for African American businesses. Opportunities: Workshops, business incubators, financial literacy.

Website: chiul.org

Sunshine Enterprises Overview: Provides entrepreneurship training and support in underserved communities. Opportunities: Business academy, mentorship, capital access.

Website: sunshineenterprises.com

Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) Overview: Supports women and minority-owned businesses with training and capital access. Opportunities: Certifications, funding, consulting.

Website: wbdc.org

SCORE Mentoring Overview: SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to any aspiring or established owners of a U.S.-based business. Opportunities: One-on-one support, experienced advice, consulting on best practices and education on small business topics.

Website: www.score.org

National Association of Women Business Owners Overview: NAWBO’s mission is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide Opportunities: Economic development, build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations. Website: nawbo.org Illinois Restaurant Association Overview: Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois. Opportunities: In addition to legislative advocacy, IRA provides access to cost saving programs, networking events, referrals, educational seminars and webinars, marketing opportunities, and certification classes.

Website: illinoisrestaurants.org/

Small Business Association Overview: Help Americans start, build and grow businesses. Advocate for small businesses, empower the spirit of entrepreneurship within every community, and deliver the results necessary to help America’s small businesses succeed. Opportunities: Help with planning, starting, growing and managing your business.

Website: sba.gov

🏘️ Neighborhood-Based Organizations

Greater Englewood CDC Overview: Promotes economic and community development in Englewood. Opportunities: Technical assistance, grant support, local exposure.

Website: gecdc.org

Far South Community Development Corporation Overview: Provides business support and community engagement in Chicago’s Far South. Opportunities: Business planning, city navigation, marketing.

Website: farsouthcdc.org/nbdc

Chatham Business Association Overview: Offers business development services for startups and established companies. Opportunities: Access to capital, certification support, networking.

Website: cbaworks.org

South Shore Chamber of Commerce Overview: Advocates for businesses in South Shore with local and citywide support. Opportunities: Business plans, technical assistance, grant referrals.

Website: southshorechamberinc.org

North Branch Works Overview: Focuses on sustainable economic development on Chicago’s northwest side. Opportunities: Zoning help, site selection, business advocacy.

Website: northbranchworks.org/nbdc

Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) Overview: Provides economic development support in Rogers Park. Opportunities: Micro-grants, technical assistance, community events.

Website: rpba.org

Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) Overview: Delivers direct support to local businesses including financial guidance. Opportunities: Grant support, workforce programs, marketing.

Website: gagdc.org

Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) Overview: Promotes health and wealth in East Garfield Park through business engagement. Opportunities: Local partnerships, events, wellness and food access programs.

Website: garfieldpark.org

💰 Community Development & Funding Organizations

Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) Overview: Focuses on neighborhood revitalization and business growth. Opportunities: Development projects, funding access, community planning.

Website: cnigroup.org/partners

Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) Overview: Provides flexible financing and technical assistance for community ventures. Opportunities: Loans for entrepreneurs and developers, consulting.

Website: cclfchicago.org

The Chicago Community Trust Overview: A regional foundation supporting equity and inclusive economic growth. Opportunities: Grants, collaborative projects, civic engagement.

Website: cct.org

World Business Chicago (WBC) Overview: Drives inclusive economic growth and job creation in Chicago. Opportunities: Business attraction, networking, market data.

Website: worldbusinesschicago.com

Austin Coming Together (ACT) Overview: Unites organizations and residents to transform the Austin neighborhood. Opportunities: Entrepreneur support, advocacy, resource alignment.

Website: austincomingtogether.org

Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC) Overview: Focuses on leadership development and small business advocacy in Pilsen. Opportunities: Community festivals, outreach programs, small business support.

Website: pilsenneighbors.org