Starting a Business in Chicago

The City of Chicago is continuously streamlining business regulations and processes. The city is committed to e-government, providing forms and applications online, as well as introducing new technologies to make government work faster and smarter.

World Business Chicago's staff is available to answer questions and point you in the right direction to help your business get up and running as quickly as possible.

We’ve gathered links to the most important topics below. For more information on starting your business in Chicago, please visit the City of Chicago’s official website and the Department of Business Affairs & Licensing (profiled below).

3-1-1

Dialing 3-1-1 connects you to the City of Chicago’s state-of-the-art call center. Callers can request city services—from the towing of abandoned cars to street repairs to installation of needed street signs. 3-1-1 can also assist you with non-emergency police matters and help you access information about the multitude of events and programs occurring throughout Chicago all year long. You can reach the call center directly by dialing 3-1-1 or 312-744-CITY when calling from outside the City of Chicago. City service requests can also be made online.

The Department of Business Affairs & Licensing
The City of Chicago is becoming a more business-friendly city. The Department of Business Affairs (DBA), which opened its doors in January 2006, is dedicated to empowering businesses to grow and succeed. DBA provides businesses a gateway by acting as the primary point of contact for all city services. DBA's one-stop shop has business consultants available to help guide existing and potential business owners through the process.

New Resources
> A Guide to Starting a Business
> A Citizen's Guide to the Liquor License Application Process
> Biz Connection
> Business Education Workshops
> Online License Renewal
> Restaurant Resource Center

Inspections & Regulations
> Building & Construction Inspections
> Food Sanitation Inspections
> Environmental Inspections
> Sanitation Inspections
> Violations & Administrative Hearings

Licenses & Taxes
> Business Licenses
> Buying or Selling a Business
> Chicago Business Taxes
> Cook County Property Tax
> Illinois State Taxes

Permits
> Burglar Alarm Permit
> Construction Permits and the Building Permit Process
> Environmental Permits
> Water Permits
> Sewer Permits
> Zoning

Restaurant License Wizard
The Restaurant License Wizard will guide you through questions related to opening a restaurant in the City of Chicago by asking a series of questions about your business needs. The information provided applies to establishments that plan to serve, store, offer for sale at retail, or give away any articles of food for human consumption.