LOCAL BUSINESS
Playing an active role in the success of the Lincoln Park business since 1947, today’s Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is evolving to reflect the entire neighborhood – from families calling it home to businessmen and women making their livelihood to friends visiting for the day.
Membership in the LPCC provides you with access to marketing and promotional opportunities, networking and community-oriented events, business advocacy, access to discount programs and partnerships, and much more.
The LPCC is passionate about supporting the needs of their members, local businesses and the Lincoln Park community – helping to maintain this vibrant neighborhood for everyone. The chamber member benefits let you take advantage of everything we have to offer – from marketing and promotional opportunities to networking and community-oriented events, and so much more.
Contact them today to learn more about how you can grow your business while supporting the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Do you need a city license for your business?
Are you a potential business owner thinking “Do I need a license for that?” or a current business owner thinking of expanding wondering “Does my current business license cover that?”
Well, you are not alone! We hear from business owners and interested neighbors throughout “43” who have the same questions as you.
In short, most businesses are required to hold business licenses from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. The type of license you need to get depends on the business you plan on operating
For example, a daycare facility requires a different license and a different process in comparison to a local bar. Over the last decade, the city has worked to make this process expedient and accessible for all folks.
While you can always contact our office, we also encourage you to reach out to the city’s “Small Business Center” for expert and free knowledge provided by Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. If you’re feeling confident, you can also apply for your business permits online.
In some cases, you may have to go through a community zoning process to receive the necessary licensures for your business. This is required if you need a zoning change, special use permit, or variance through the City Council or Zoning Board of Appeals. For more information on those processes (usually for liquor, cannabis, or salon uses), please see our…
Signs
Storefronts and signage are an essential element of your business’s visibility and brand. It is also generally the last step and expense for business owners before opening their doors to the public. After months and months and months of working towards your opening, we hope to be as clear and expedient as possible.
For reference, items associated with a property that is on, over, or under the public way (streets, sidewalks, and parkways) such as signs, canopies, awnings, and lighting require a BACP public way use permit. They are also subject to fees for their sign’s permit and fines for failure to secure a proper permit.
The good news is that the City has moved this process entirely online to save you time and money. That application can be found here. (LINK) Please check out this step-by-step walkthrough on how to create your account for the permit portal. You will be asked to submit your business license, insurance, and other essential documents. Make sure to have those accessible to speed up your application submission.
Once you submit your application, it will go through approval by various city departments (including our office) and then be sent to the City Council for approval. From start to finish, this process can take over a month, so we encourage you to submit it as quickly as possible.
When initiating your application, you will be asked to submit a design of the sign, canopy, or awning that your building will feature. Our office, in cooperation with the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, maintains a style guide that gives new applicants recommendations on stylistic choices that will blend with the overall community.
For applicants applying for signage permits in a landmark district (Don’t know what that is? Look here.) There are specific regulations on signage.
