Cut the Tape for Small Businesses Initiative

DEVELOPMENT
Written By Agnes Chan
Cut the Tape for Small Businesses Logo

Small businesses are the backbone of Chicago’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The City issues business licenses, inspects businesses, and offers a variety of business support programs to ensure that small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to make Chicago thrive.

On Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Cut The Tape for Small Business to make it more affordable, faster, and easier to open and operate a small business in Chicago. Cut The Tape for Small Business is comprised of nine Cut The Tape for Small Business Goals, inspired by input from eight small business roundtables over the course of 2025. The nine Goals are designed to streamline and simplify regulatory processes, enhance transparency, and increase access to small business education and resources.

screenshot of 9 cut the tape for small business goals

Learn more online at chicago.gov/cutthetape.

9 Cut the Tape for Small Businesses Goals (Text Version)

  1. Develop clear guidance for business owners to help them navigate pre-license City inspections to ensure clear expectations and requirements. (Lead Dept: BACP)

  2. Simplify and digitize licensing and permitting processes to reduce complexity Data & Performance. (Lead Dept: BACP)

  3. Leverage cultural storytelling and cross-corridor marketing strategies to unlock the potential of neighborhood tourism. (Lead Dept: BACP)

  4. Develop an interactive online business zoning map to provide a user-friendly overlay of business activity types allowed at specific locations. (Lead Dept: DTI)

  5. Streamline the administrative debt check process to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. (Lead Dept: DOF)

  6. Explore new regulatory frameworks for emerging industries to ensure Chicago remains competitive. (Lead Dept: BACP)

  7. Eliminate information silos between City departments to ensure a cohesive and supportive environment for businesses. (Lead Dept: Mayor’s Office)

  8. Collaborate with City Colleges of Chicago to provide in-community access to education and empowerment programs for entrepreneurs. (Lead Dept: BACP)

  9. Launch a digital literacy initiative targeting under-resourced entrepreneurs, bridging the technology gap. (Lead Dept: Mayor’s Office)

Learn more online at chicago.gov/cutthetape.

Agnes Chan
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