Small business owners along Market Square, in downtown Lake Forest, and across Lake Bluff have until 11:59 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 29, to apply for a free marketing partnership through the Chicago Bears' Small Business All-Pros program.

The Bears announced the 2026 application window on Tuesday, June 23. Four winning businesses will each receive a four-week marketing partnership during the 2026 NFL season, including a profile on ChicagoBears.com, promotion across the team's social media and marketing channels, and gameday recognition during two home games at Soldier Field. Winners also get a complimentary 12-month Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce membership, which includes networking events and placement in an e-newsletter reaching more than 17,000 business contacts.

The program, now in its seventh year, is presented by PNC Bank, which has been the title sponsor since 2024. PNC also holds the naming rights to the Bears' Lake Forest headquarters, the PNC Center at Halas Hall on Football Drive.

No Lake Forest or Lake Bluff business appeared among the four 2025 winners, which included Kneads & Wants in Skokie, Grace + Ivory in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, Three Stars Vintage in Avondale, and Stewarts' Cheesecakes in Bloomingdale.

Scott Swanson, PNC's regional president for Illinois, said the program is "focused on supporting entrepreneurs and helping them build the momentum needed to grow and succeed."

Sarah Smith, the Bears' vice president of fan development and brand marketing, said the team wants to give local entrepreneurs a platform to reach Bears fans during the season.

Applications are evaluated on business impact, community involvement, and the owner's story. Applicants must be majority owners or authorized representatives. The Bears say the application takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is available at chicagobears.com/fan-zone/small-business-all-pros.