Chicago Star Award | Chicago Treasurer's Office

The Chicago Star Award is more than an accolade; it’s a commitment to nurturing our local economy. By celebrating these businesses, we strengthen the fabric of our community and pave the way for a prosperous future. Nominate a business for the 2026 CSA cohort now!

Deadline to submit a business is September 2nd, 2026.

Small Biz

The Chicago Star Award is an exciting initiative by the Chicago Treasurer’s Office aimed at recognizing and uplifting small businesses that significantly contribute to the economic and social well-being of our vibrant city. The Chicago Star initiative will engage the community, celebrate local entrepreneurship, and provide valuable resources to deserving businesses.

Why Nominate?

2026 award recipients will be recognized at a special Chicago Star Awards ceremony this fall. Upon receiving recognition, business will also receive:

A custom award and certificate from the Office of the Treasurer

Promotion through the Treasurer’s social media, press, and newsletter

Access to exclusive networking opportunities and business development resources

A subscription to the Chicago Star Business Brief, a bi-monthly newsletter featuring grants, expert advice, and tools to grow their business

Nominate a Small Business for Our 2026 CSA Cohort!

Name of Business(Required)

Business Location

Street Address

Suite/Apt

City(Required)

State(Required)

Zip code(Required)

Business owner or contact person(Required)

Both first and last. If unsure, enter '"N/A".

First Last

Phone(Required)

Put N/A if not applicable.

Email(Required)

Social Media Handles

Why Are You Nominating This Business?

Name of person nominating(Required)

Select the category for the nominating person (You)(Required)

Is the nominated business registered with BACP or Exempt?(Required)

Yes

Unsure

Consent(Required)

By submitting an application for the Chicago Star Awards, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with these terms and conditions.

Chicago Treasurer's Office – Chicago Star Awards Disclaimer

By participating in the Chicago Treasurer's Office (CTO) Chicago Star Awards, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility Criteria

No lobbyists registered with the City of Chicago or State of Illinois are eligible to apply for or receive a Chicago Star Award.

Businesses that have provided political donations to the Chicago Treasurer's Office or any affiliated entities are ineligible to apply for or receive a Chicago Star Award.

Current employees of the City of Chicago or the Chicago Treasurer's Office are not eligible to apply for or receive a Chicago Star Award.

Businesses currently in partnership with the Chicago Treasurer's Office are ineligible to apply for or receive a Chicago Star Award.

Only for-profit companies can participate in this nomination process.

2. Compliance

All applicants must comply with the eligibility criteria outlined above. Any applicant found to be in violation of these criteria will be disqualified from the Chicago Star Awards program.

3. Verification

The Chicago Treasurer's Office reserves the right to verify the eligibility of all applicants. This may include, but is not limited to, reviewing public records, requesting additional information from applicants, and conducting background checks.

4. Disqualification

The Chicago Treasurer's Office reserves the right to disqualify any applicant who, in its sole discretion, is found to be in violation of these terms and conditions.

5. Indemnification

By participating in the Chicago Star Awards, applicants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Chicago Treasurer's Office, its employees, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses arising from or related to their participation in the program.

6. Non-Solicitation Policy

Any Chicago Star Award recipient who is nominated by an alderman or any elected official of the City of Chicago may not be solicited by that nominating alderman or elected official for campaign contributions.

Under no circumstances may the City Treasurer solicit campaign contributions from any recipient of a Chicago Star Award.

Any violation of this policy may result in disqualification from the program and/or revocation of the award, at the sole discretion of the Chicago Treasurer's Office.

Chicago Star Directory

Find a Chicago Star and support them today. Check out our 2025 cohort of Chicago Stars — available now!