Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced a new partnership between the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). The initiative is designed to expand the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program, making business education more accessible for current and aspiring business owners as well as students in Chicago.

“Chicago's entrepreneurs and businesses are the backbone of our city, and we must ensure they have the tools to succeed,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The partnership will strengthen our aspiring and existing business owners with knowledge as well as a college credit that can support their long-term success. By investing in people’s potential, we are investing in Chicago’s local economy.”

The BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program provides participants with formal recognition for skills gained through real-world experience. Those who complete the program can earn college credit for Business 111, a foundational course at City Colleges of Chicago. The curriculum covers essential topics such as financial literacy, marketing, and compliance.

More than 1,000 entrepreneurs have already completed the program. To participate, individuals must register at Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate, attend six webinars within six months by signing up at Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars, and after finishing all requirements, receive their certificate within a week.

After completing the program, CCC students or applicants may obtain Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) by providing proof of completion, submitting a consent form, and passing an institutional challenge exam administered digitally via Olive Harvey College.

“The expansion of BACP’s long-standing Entrepreneur Certificate Program marks a significant investment in the future of our business owners and communities,” said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “This partnership ensures broader accessibility to valuable tools and knowledge and underscores the city-wide support available for businesses.”

“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to empowering Chicago’s entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges of Chicago. “By recognizing the value of real-world learning through the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program, we’re opening more doors for aspiring business owners to access college credit and continue their education.”

The opportunity to receive CCC CPL applies retroactively to past graduates of the certificate program. In 2024, BACP updated its Entrepreneur Certificate Program to streamline participation through an online portal where users can track progress.

City Colleges of Chicago serves as an accessible higher education institution aimed at promoting socioeconomic mobility among residents. More information about its programs is available at www.ccc.edu or on its website.

The BACP oversees licensing for businesses in Chicago while regulating activity to protect consumers from fraud and enforcing labor laws. Details about its services can be found at Chicago.gov/BACP.