BACP-Neighborhood Business Network - Capital Access

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is soliciting proposals from qualified nonprofit delegate agencies to implement and deliver capital access and business readiness services under the Neighborhood Business Network - Capital Access program, with proposals due November 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with demonstrated expertise and capacity to provide direct access to loan capital, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), nonprofit lenders, mission-based financial institutions, and community development organizations with lending programs; priority is given to organizations with established business lending programs and experience serving underserved or undercapitalized small businesses.

The scope encompasses individualized business consultations to assess capital needs, direct loan capital deployment through established lending programs, capital access referrals, development of capital access toolboxes and training materials, and peer training for business advisors across two geographic focus areas in North and South Chicago. Deliverables include monthly activity reporting, dedicated program email addresses and webpages, service request forms, and comprehensive training curricula with on-demand videos.

Up to two reimbursement grants of up to $150,000 each will be awarded, totaling a maximum of $300,000 annually, funded through the City of Chicago's Corporate Fund. The program operates on a reimbursement basis requiring delegates to expend funds before receiving reimbursement through monthly requisitions submitted within 15 days of month-end. The anticipated contract term runs January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, with potential extensions for up to four additional one-year periods based on performance and fund availability.

Proposals are scored on program design (40 points), program strength (25 points), performance management (15 points), organizational capacity (10 points), budget management and cost effectiveness (5 points), and overall responsiveness (5 points). A pre-submittal conference is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time via Zoom. Questions are due October 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. Proposals must be submitted through the City's eProcurement portal.