A year-round financial empowerment initiative from the Office of the Chicago City Treasurer designed to help Chicagoans access the education, tools, resources, and community connections needed to build stronger financial futures.
Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow, also known as BWTT, is the City Treasurer’s financial empowerment platform created to meet residents where they are — online, in neighborhoods, through community partnerships, and through programs that support families, small businesses, first-time homebuyers, and future wealth builders.
Sign Up for Upcoming Sessions
BWTT is more than a single event. It is a year-round initiative focused on helping Chicagoans build financial confidence through education, access, and action.
From virtual conversations and community sessions to homebuyer education and small business recognition, BWTT connects residents to practical resources that support wealth-building today and long-term stability for tomorrow.
BWTT.TV
Financial conversations, webinars, and video resources available online all year long.
BWTT.TV is the digital home for financial empowerment conversations produced by the Office of the Chicago City Treasurer. Through web series, YouTube playlists, special webinars, and on-demand programming, residents can access expert conversations and practical information designed to support smarter financial decisions.
Homebuyer education and counseling to help Chicago residents prepare for homeownership.
BWTT HomeStretch helps Chicago residents take the next step toward homeownership through education, counseling, and trusted resources.
From understanding the homebuying process to preparing financially for closing, HomeStretch connects residents to the tools and guidance needed to move from class to close with confidence.
- Homebuyer education
- Housing counseling
- First-time homebuyer support
- Mortgage readiness
- Budgeting for homeownership
- Down payment assistance information
Start Your Homeownership Journey
Recognizing and supporting small businesses that are growing across Chicago.
BWTT Chicago Stars celebrates small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-based business owners who are helping strengthen Chicago’s economy.
Through recognition, storytelling, public events, award opportunities, and business development resources, Chicago Stars highlights businesses on the rise and connects entrepreneurs to visibility and support.
Melissa Conyears-Ervin
Chicago City Treasurer
“It’s essential that we provide some relief for the businesses and working families, especially those in the under-resourced and disinvested communities that are hurting right now”
In May 2019, Melissa Conyears-Ervin made history when she was sworn in as City Treasurer for the City of Chicago, the first African American woman ever to be elected to the position without prior appointment. As City Treasurer, she is committed to using a positive, results-oriented approach with city departments. She will work to restore the public’s trust in government–good government–that works for the people and apply an equity lens to all of the office’s programs and outreach. She will audit every department every year to cut waste and root out fraud and mismanagement, as well as to recommend modernization tactics and best practices that could result in millions of dollars of savings annually.
Watch The Chicago Treasurers Office On-Demand
Watch important videos on money management, financial opportunities, and
teaching from the Chicago Treasurer’s Office