Questions about opening a business in the Chicago area

You can contact us while searching for a property, negotiating a lease or purchase, or after signing. Starting early helps clarify the proposed use, property requirements and approval path before you commit to an opening plan.

Yes. We start with the current project status, available documents and any feedback from the municipality or property owner. We then identify outstanding requirements and organize the next steps.

We coordinate the agreed approval process: property and zoning review, application preparation or coordination, municipal follow-up, specialist communication and inspection preparation. You receive regular updates on progress, outstanding items and decisions needed from you. Legal, design and other licensed professional services are provided separately by the appropriate specialists.

The Site & Zoning Assessment reviews your proposed business use, zoning and the property’s previous use. We identify potential land-use approvals, preliminary municipal requirements and key approval risks, with initial municipal contact where appropriate. The result is a preliminary opening roadmap; it is not a permit or a guarantee of approval. If you continue with BPM for project coordination, the $650 assessment fee may be credited toward the project fee, subject to prior agreement.

Standard projects start at $1,600. Projects requiring additional zoning approvals or public hearings are quoted individually. We agree on the scope, fee and payment schedule before work begins.

Government application, permit and inspection fees are separate from BPM fees. Renovation, construction, surveys, reports and services from attorneys, architects, engineers and other specialists are also paid separately.

Standard projects typically take 3–6 weeks; projects requiring public hearings generally take 2–3 months. These planning estimates start when the complete document package is submitted to the municipality. Document preparation, renovation and physical preparation of the premises are separate. Actual timing depends on municipal review, hearing schedules and required revisions.

Read the opening timeline guide →

Yes. When needed, we can recommend architects, engineers, attorneys and contractors from our professional network and coordinate their input into your project. You agree on their services and fees separately.

Not necessarily. Business licensing, permits, occupancy requirements and inspections may still remain. We identify the remaining steps within the agreed scope and coordinate follow-up before opening.

No. Approval decisions and review schedules are controlled by the relevant authorities. BPM is responsible for the agreed coordination work, including preparing or coordinating submissions, tracking comments and keeping you informed about the next steps.

Send the property address, if selected, a description of your business and your lease or purchase status. Include available plans, planned improvements and anything the municipality or property owner has already told you. You do not need every document ready for the introductory conversation.