Chicago: Mayor Bradnon Johnson, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Honors Graduates of Business Education Program
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) celebrated the success of its Entrepreneur Certificate Program graduates at a graduation ceremony held at Malcolm X College. The event, which was attended by BACP, CIBC Bank USA, and City Colleges of Chicago, recognized the hard work and determination of participants who completed the free program.

The BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program equips entrepreneurs with essential skills in business licensing, operations, marketing, and financial planning. Graduates are also eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP's partner, CIBC Bank USA, and can receive college credit from City Colleges of Chicago. To learn more about this program, interested individuals can visit Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his pride in the graduates and their contribution to Chicago's entrepreneurial spirit. He stated, "The graduates of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program represent the very best of Chicago's entrepreneurial spirit. By investing in their own knowledge and skills, they are building businesses that will strengthen our neighborhoods and power our city's economy for years to come."

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BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali also commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication. He said, "What we're celebrating today is more than a certificate; it's a launchpad. Every graduate of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program walks away with tools to grow, adapt and lead. I look forward to watching them shape the future of business across our city."

Over 100 graduates were honored at the ceremony, which featured inspiring speeches from program alumni Latoya Stampley and Penelope Crawford. Both entrepreneurs shared their personal experiences with the program and how it has positively impacted their business acumen and financial confidence. The ceremony also included a certificate presentation to celebrate this significant milestone for graduates, their families, and supporters.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program has helped hundreds of Chicago entrepreneurs and small business owners sharpen their skills and achieve new milestones. Graduates who complete six webinars within six months across designated categories are eligible to apply for a loan through the Entrepreneur Loan Program, offered in partnership with CIBC Bank USA. This program aims to support startup or early-stage small businesses that have completed a CIBC-approved entrepreneur training program by providing important working capital. Additionally, program graduates can also receive Credit for Prior Learning from City Colleges of Chicago.

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Miguel Gomez, Managing Director and Head of Small Business Lending for CIBC's US Community Development team, expressed his admiration for the graduates' determination and commitment. He said, "We're inspired by the determination of these graduates and proud to partner with BACP in supporting their growth. At CIBC, we believe in helping entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions by providing the resources and guidance they need to build thriving businesses that strengthen their communities."

Juan Salgado, Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago, also highlighted the importance of recognizing real-world experience through academic recognition. He stated, "At City Colleges of Chicago, we know that real-world experience deserves real academic recognition. Through this partnership, graduates of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program can apply what they've learned toward credit for prior learning, turning their business knowledge into a head start on a college degree. We're proud to help our entrepreneurs keep building their businesses and their futures through education."

BACP remains committed to supporting current and future small business owners at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey by providing them with the necessary resources and services. For more information on BACP's programs and services, interested individuals can visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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