City of Chicago Honors Graduates of Business Education Program

City of Chicago Honors Graduates of Business Education Program

More than 100 graduates were celebrated for completing the Entrepreneur Certificate Program and advancing their journeys as current and future business owners.

CHICAGO - Today, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), along with CIBC Bank USA and City Colleges of Chicago, celebrated the graduates of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program at a graduation ceremony held at Malcolm X College. The event recognized the ambition and achievement of participants who completed the free program, which equips entrepreneurs with a foundation in business licensing, operations, marketing, and financial planning. Also, the participants are eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP's partner, CIBC Bank USA, and college credit with City Colleges of Chicago. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate.

"The graduates of the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program represent the very best of Chicago's entrepreneurial spirit," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "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."

"What we're celebrating today is more than a certificate, it's a launchpad," said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. "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."

More than 100 graduates took part in the ceremony, which featured heartfelt remarks from program alumni Latoya Stampley, Founder and CEO of Stampley Technology & Management, LLC and Penelope Crawford, Owner of Penelope'z Unique Apparel. Both entrepreneurs reflected on their own paths through the program and the lasting difference it made in their business acumen and financial confidence. The ceremony included a presentation of certificates giving graduates, family members, and supporters a chance to celebrate the milestone together.

Since launching more than a decade ago, the program has helped hundreds of Chicago entrepreneurs and small business owners sharpen their skills and reach new milestones. Participants who complete six webinars within six months across designated categories become eligible to apply for a loan through the Entrepreneur Loan Program, offered in partnership with CIBC Bank USA. This established program was created to support startup or early-stage small businesses that have completed a CIBC-approved entrepreneur training program with important working capital. Additionally, program graduates can be eligible for Credit for Prior Learning with City Colleges of Chicago.

"We're inspired by the determination of these graduates and proud to partner with BACP in supporting their growth," said Miguel Gomez, Managing Director and Head of Small Business Lending for CIBC's US Community Development team. "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."

"At City Colleges of Chicago, we know that real-world experience deserves real academic recognition," said Juan Salgado, Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago. "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 equipping current and future small business owners with the resources they need to thrive at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. For more information on BACP's programs and services, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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About City Colleges of Chicago

As the city's most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity, City Colleges of Chicago catalyzes our students' capacity to prosper and take part in building a stronger and more just Chicago. For more information visit www.ccc.edu or click here; or call 312-COLLEGE (312-265-5343).