Request For Proposal for the Neighborhood Business Development Center Program

Request For Proposal for the Neighborhood Business Development Center Program

The program is designed to support and strengthen the small business ecosystem.

CHICAGO - Today, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) Program. Through this RFP, the City of Chicago will provide funding to nonprofit local business service organizations, such as economic development corporations and chambers of commerce, to deliver free and confidential business assistance programs that benefit communities in every corner of the city. The selected grantees of the NBDC program will deliver highly specialized business programs and services that help entrepreneurs start, and business owners grow or sustain their small businesses, as well as assist their program peers to build their respective capacities. The program ensures alignment with the ever-evolving needs of the diverse business community of the city. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/NBDC.

"Business service organizations are essential to our city's economic vitality, said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This Request for Proposal ensures organizations have the capacity to support local businesses through their work of fostering connections, nurturing entrepreneurship and offering resources that drive economic growth."

"As we continue to invest in our small business community, I am excited to announce this Request for Proposal that will support the vital work of business service organizations at the local level," said BACP Acting Commissioner Ivan Capifali. "The NBDC program has long served our small businesses as a link between City Hall and communities. I encourage organizations to apply, as we seek to strengthen Chicago's small business ecosystem."

Applications for this RFP must be completed by Monday, October 28th, 2024, before 12:00 PM (CDT). Those interested in learning more about this opportunity can register for the virtual pre-submittal conference taking place Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, at 10:00 AM CDT. The pre-submittal conference is optional but highly encouraged. For information about the RFP and virtual pre-submittal conference, please visit Chicago.gov/NBDC. To view the RFP, visit the City's eProcurement website and search by RFP #10553.

The long-standing NBDC program is designed to drive collaboration and coordination among grantees to reach small business owners and entrepreneurs. Business assistance programs play a critical role in enabling community wealth building by supporting residents in exercising ownership, acquiring assets, getting access to fair capital, creating inclusive, living wage jobs; and being empowered and equipped to play a critical role in the revitalization of their neighborhood. As such, the NBDC program promotes equitable and inclusive growth across the entire city of Chicago, with a focus on the most underserved and underinvested communities.

The NBDC program, part of BACP, helps start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners with information about a particular neighborhood, getting a new small business started, connecting businesses to financial resources, networking opportunities, connecting to the local community and more. Additionally, BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, supports consumers, promotes and enforces Chicago's labor laws. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

###