The City of Chicago is easing its licensing and application process for small businesses. Mayor Richard Daley says the new steps are aimed at keeping small businesses and creating new jobs.
DALEY: We revised the business licensing process to give business owners much more flexibility. We’ve found out to be very frank from past mistakes. We’ve talked to small businesses. These are many of their recommendations.
Some measures include an easier process for business owners to correct a code violation before paying a penalty. With the exception of health and safety codes, owners will be able to pay a violation fee through the mail instead of going to a hearing downtown. The city is also considering a plan to use $350,000 of the city’s parking meter revenue for small business loans.