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Chicago releases RFP for small business tech enhancement programme
City initiative will equip under-resourced small business owners with the skills, tools, and access needed to grow, compete and succeed in a digital-first economy.
At a glance
Who: City of Chicago; Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
What: The City has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Small Business Technology Enhancement Programme, which seeks to expand digital capacity and strengthen economic resilience for under-resourced entrepreneurs across Chicago.
Why: To equip hundreds of small business owners with the tools and skills needed to succeed in a digital-first economy.
When: RFP submissions must be completed by 16 February at 12pm CDT (midday).
The City of Chicago has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for an initiative to expand digital capacity and strengthen economic resilience for under-resourced entrepreneurs across Chicago.
Administered by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), the Small Business Technology Enhancement Programme is intended to equip hundreds of small business owners with the tools and skills needed to succeed in a digital-first economy.
Reliable internet connectivity
Programme participants will receive training in online financial safety, digital marketing, e-commerce, and digital payment systems while benefitting from access to free digital assets such as devices, reliable internet connectivity, and shared learning spaces.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and they deserve access to the tools that help them grow and compete,” said Brandon Johnson, mayor of Chicago. “This investment removes barriers, builds digital confidence, and creates pathways for entrepreneurs, especially in communities that have been historically under-resourced.”
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“BACP understands the support needed for Chicago’s small business owners, which includes immersion and education around digital skills to operate a business,” said Ivan Capifali, BACP commissioner, City of Chicago.
“The Small Business Technology Enhancement Programme will help entrepreneurs navigate City processes more efficiently and strengthen their online presence for growth opportunities.”
“This investment removes barriers, builds digital confidence, and creates pathways for entrepreneurs, especially in communities that have been historically under-resourced”
The City will invest $400,000 of digital equity American Rescue Plan Act (Arpa) funds to support a local organisation that will expand proven digital literacy and skill-building programmes using a hub-and-spoke model. The aim of this approach is to amplify impact across all of Chicago, supporting small business owners facing the greatest digital skill gaps.
The Small Business Technology Enhancement Programme advances the City’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and fulfils Goal 9 of the Cut the Tape for Small Business initiative, which calls for launching a digital literacy initiative targeted to under-resourced entrepreneurs.
RFP submissions must be completed by 16 February at 12pm CDT (midday). Those interested in learning more about this RFP can register for the pre-submittal conference which takes place on 4 February at 1pm central time. The pre-submittal conference is optional but highly encouraged by the City.
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How will the programme improve digital skills for under-resourced entrepreneurs?What tools and devices will participants receive through the initiative?How does the hub-and-spoke model amplify impact across Chicago?In what ways will reliable internet connectivity support small businesses?How does the programme align with the Cut the Tape for Small Business goals?Chicagocitizen engagementConnectivity & DataDevicesdigital inclusioneconomic developmentGovernance and CitizenPeople and Skills
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