Each month the City of Chicago offers twice-weekly (Wed & Fri) FREE business education workshops presented by experts in private practice as well as representatives from various city departments. There are quite a few good ones this month — see the list below — and this month they’re all offered in Room 805 of City Hall (right downtown and near public transit). To register for any of them, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers
Wed, January 9, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the City of Chicago
To operate a successful business in Chicago you need to know what it takes to maintain compliance. Officials from several City departments will provide insight on how to operate safely, stay compliant, help prepare for inspections and highlight the do’s and don’ts of operating a business.
Roadmap to Business Financing
Fri, January 11, 9:30am – 11:00am
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Fifth Third Bank
In order for businesses to start or grow, financing is often needed. Attend this workshop and you will obtain the pathway to financial success including traditional and non traditional credit sources and how to best prepare for when your company needs capital most.
Business Growth Strategies 101
Wed, January 16, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
Are you trying to determine how to grow your business and what area to target for growth? Do you need connections, capital, or additional capacity for your business? Come to the Women’s Business Development Center’s Business Growth Strategies 101 class to begin to identify what part of your business you need to grow, and gain tools that will help fuel your success. Topics that will be covered include finding your target customer, how to prepare for the first time you meet with a banker, and where to begin if you’re thinking about contracting with the government. This workshop will be most meaningful to businesses that have been in business for at least one year.
Rock Your Profile
Fri, January 18, 9:30am – 11:00am
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Hayden Humphrey, Success Coach and Creative Entrepreneur
Attend this workshop and discuss the ins, outs, tips, and tricks of creating a stellar LinkedIn profile. During this workshop, we will discuss the major profile components, best practices for creating a stellar page, and some behind the scenes advice on navigating the platform. Please come prepared with your profile already created and any questions you have on the platform!
How to Obtain the new Pop-Up User or Pop-Up Host Business License
Wed, January 23, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) and Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Food Protection
The City’s new Pop-Up User and Pop-Up Host business licenses are now available for short-term general retail, or food, sales entrepreneurs and owners of commercial spaces respectively. Learn about the unique features which allow the User to “pop-up” around the City during the license term, the license application and food protection requirements and process, as well as the benefit provided to existing Shared Kitchen Users and Retail Food license holders. Be ready to become one of the first to obtain these innovative licenses.
How to Write a Business Plan – What you need to know!
Fri, January 25, 9:30am – 11:00am
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner at Rockin Enterprises, Inc.
Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It’s easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You’ll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.
Nuts and Bolts of Creating a Charitable Organization
Wed, January 30, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the Community Law Project
Attend this workshop to learn about the legal steps to becoming a charitable organization, the differences between a for profit and a nonprofit and provide an overview of the legal process of creating a not for profit corporation, developing a board of directors, explain bylaws, and obtaining recognition of 501c3 income tax exemption for the organization.
To register, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Source: City of Chicago :: Business Education Workshop Calendar