Join us next week in Chicago at the 5th Annual Conference Of The Cooperative Professionals Guild! The theme is “New Horizons and Best Practices for Cooperative Professionals”. $250 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and snacks each day. Agenda and details in the link below.
Category Archives: Education
City of Chicago June 2019 Business Education Workshops
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 they’re all offered at 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, June 5, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
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.
Is Your Business In Compliance With The City’s Wage And Sick Leave Ordinance?
Fri, June 7, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Did you know that the minimum wage in Chicago will increase to $13 per hour on July 1, 2019? Learn which employers and workers are affected by the Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, how employers can calculate sick leave, and what is required to abide by the ordinance.
Overview of Workplace Harassment & Discrimination
Wed, June 12, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Charles Krugel, a Management Side Labor, Employment and Human Resource Attorney
A round-table discussion with labor and employment lawyer Charles Krugel, about all forms of workplace harassment and protected class discrimination. As a business owner, learn how to prevent, create policies, investigate, and find solutions to employee misconduct.
Executive to Entrepreneur – Lowering Card Processing Costs for Your Business
Fri, June 14, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Jonathan Simon, Horizon Payments LLC
Would you like to learn how to lower an important but often overlooked cost in your business? Unfortunately, the majority of business owners do not understand what they are paying for or why when they get their credit card processing statement. This workshop is designed to introduce you to the basics of credit card processing: industry and pricing structures, interchange fees, equipment and leases, contracts, surcharging and cash discounting, and how you can make simple changes to save your business money. Current business owners are encouraged to bring a processing statement so they can do their own analysis while new entrepreneurs will learn what to look for in a processor and equipment. Never be caught off-guard by a sales call again!
Executive to Entrepreneur (Part of ‘Hear Us Roar: Women’s Workshop Series’)
Wed, June 19, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Moderated by Kenya Merritt, Chicago Chief Small Business Officer
Are you ready to make the leap from corporate executive to entrepreneurship? If you’re thinking about taking this step, or have already launched your business, come and learn from experts who have transitioned from working for someone else to being their own boss.
Podcasting 101 for Small Businesses
Fri, June 21, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Google Digital Coaches & Led by JinJa Birkenbeuel, Founder, The Honest Field Guide Podcast
with Special Guests Jessica Kupferman and Elsie Ecobar, Co-Founders of She Podcasts
Learn about the benefits of a podcast for your business and how to create, record, launch and distribute a podcast. Discover the easiest platforms to launch and how to select affordable equipment to record your podcast. You will also learn about types of content formats and to how to name, brand, market, and monetize your podcast.
Record Keeping, Compliance and Winning Strategy
Wed, June 26, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Al Beheary, M.S., LUTCF, GRI, Financial & Insurance Consultants (F.I.C.)
This class will pave the way for anyone who wants to start a business endeavor or has an existing, to learn good financial habits. You will get a chance to learn how to keep your records, how long to keep them and best practices that may help you start or keep your business. Do not be victim to audits or compliance reviews. Be ready and proactive. Bring your questions, forms and paperwork and ask as many questions as you can.
Small Business Center on the Road Expo
Thu, June 27, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
1871, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1212, Chicago, IL 60654
The Small Business Center on the Road Expo is free and open to the public. It provides new and existing entrepreneurs resources to start or grow their business here in Chicago.
For more information and to register go to
www.chibizexpo.com
Ten Practical Legal Tips for Small Business Success
Fri, June 28, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid, LLC
Running a small business takes a lot of work. Often, a handful of employees fill a variety of roles, meaning that everyone has to bring serious hard work, dedication, self-motivation, and multitasking skills to the table. Amid all this, it can be easy to forget about the legal aspects of running a business. However, attending to these matters sooner rather than later is likely to save you time, stress, and expense in the long run. Join us in this workshop to learn our top 10 legal tips for small business success.
To register for a workshop, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Also, in case you weren’t aware, BACP offers a Business Start-Up Certificate Program, designed to give business owners the essential elements in starting and growing a business. Attend nine workshops at BACP and learn the essentials of business planning, financing, marketing, legal issues, technology and more. Complete the program workshops within six months and earn your certificate, as well as get free advice on your business plan. You can register for the Business Start-Up Certificate Program at any BACP workshop. Learn about the full set of BACP offerings here.
And visit their Business Video Library here.
Source: City of Chicago :: Business Education Workshop Calendar
City of Chicago May 2019 Business Education Workshops
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 they’re all offered at 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, May 1, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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.
SBA Financial Assistance; What You Need, When You Need It
Fri, May 3, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
If you need access to capital to help you achieve your business goals, the SBA offers a variety of funding programs for all kinds of small business ventures. What kind of funding is right for you?
Small Business Center on the Road Expo
Sat, May 4, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical Instituite, 2800 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
The Small Business Center on the Road Expo is free and open to the public. It provides new and existing entrepreneurs resources to start or grow their business here in Chicago.
For more information and to register go to
www.chibizexpo.com
Resources to Start, Run and Grow Your Business
Wed, May 8, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
Whether you’re a startup, established or about to expand your business, find out what resources are available to entrepreneurs. In this workshop, we will provide an overview of the resources that are essential to launching or growing a business in Chicago, which include access to capital, supportive services and grants programs. Additionally, we will discuss small business resources that are offered by the City of Chicago, Chambers of Commerce and Business Service Organizations.
Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs
Fri, May 10, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will share tips and resources to assist the creative entrepreneur with launching their business. Presented by Kenya Merritt, City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) & Frayne Lewis of the City’s Music Office.
How to Write a Business Plan – What you need to know!
Wed, May 15, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner of 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.
Meeting Your Cyber Security Challenges in 5 Steps
Fri, May 17, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Cyber crime targeting businesses is on- going and continues to be a major concern. Learn how five steps can build awareness and an action plan to deter cyber criminals and help avoid the problems that could destroy a business. This presentation uses the latest information about hackers and data breaches to educate businesses how to protect themselves. Better Business Bureau teamed with National Cyber Security Alliance and National Institute for Science & Technology, along with local cyber security experts to create a scale-able program that any size company can use to create an individualized cyber security program.
How to Open a Concession at O’Hare or Midway Airport
Wed, May 22, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the Chicago Department of Aviation – Concessions Department
Are you interested in operating a restaurant or shop at O’Hare or Midway International Airport, but don’t know where to begin? Come and learn about the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, how to operate a business at the airport, and a summary of the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program.
Nuts and Bolts of Creating a Charitable Organization
Fri, May 24, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
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.
Accounting Best Practices
Wed, May 29, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Michelle Ringold, Ringold Financial Management Services, Inc.
At the end of this training, participants should have a better understanding of the importance of accurate financials, requirements, and best industry practices including obtaining financing. The main topics will be as follows: Role of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accounting System Basics, Financial Statement Overview, Budgeting/Financial Projections, Securing Banking/Bonding/Proper Insurance and Understanding What it Takes to be Successful.
To register for a workshop, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Also, in case you weren’t aware, BACP offers a Business Start-Up Certificate Program, designed to give business owners the essential elements in starting and growing a business. Attend nine workshops at BACP and learn the essentials of business planning, financing, marketing, legal issues, technology and more. Complete the program workshops within six months and earn your certificate, as well as get free advice on your business plan. You can register for the Business Start-Up Certificate Program at any BACP workshop. Learn about the full set of BACP offerings here.
And visit their Business Video Library here.
Source: City of Chicago :: Business Education Workshop Calendar
City of Chicago April 2019 Business Education Workshops
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 they’re all offered at 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, April 3, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
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.
Business Licensing 101
Fri, April 5, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
Attendees will learn the 3 steps to obtain a business license and access free business resources to start or expand their business.
Paying Hourly Employees Properly
Wed, April 10, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Noah Frank, Labor & Employment Attorney in SmithAmundsen’s Chicago Office
The U.S. and Illinois Departments of Labor are increasingly scrutinizing companies to make sure their employee pay procedures and policies are compliant with federal, state, and local laws. Indeed, after years in the making, on March 7, 2019, the U.S. DOL announced its new proposed “Final Rule” for salary exempt employees. Join attorney Noah A. Frank of SmithAmundsen for an engaging, fast-paced discussion on properly classifying employees as exempt vs. non-exempt, making valid wage deductions and reimbursements, and more to stay compliant!
Building a Compelling Brand Marketing Strategy!
Fri, April 12, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Dorothy Muszynska, DM Marketing Group
Businesses must have a compelling Brand Marketing Strategy in place before creating and implementing tactics such as print, digital, social, or event marketing. More often than not, smaller businesses skip the “strategy” step resulting in an unsuccessful tactical execution. In this workshop, we will go through the steps of a simple Brand Marketing Strategy for a product or service. The presenter will be able to answer one-on-one questions in English and Polish after the workshop.
5 Tips To Double Your Online Reviews And Build A Stellar Online Reputation
Wed, April 17, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Thomas B. Varghese, eBizUniverse
Attend this workshop and you will have an understanding of why your online reviews matter. You will learn about understanding your audience and how to build a reputable and profitable brand along with tips on how to build a stellar online reputation. You will also learn about specific tactics for improving the reputation of local businesses and what to do when your online reputation is attacked.
How To Get Money For Your Business
Fri, April 19, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Craig Feldman, Bloom Lending
Without positive cash flow, it is difficult to take care of the everyday functions of the business or have the ability to buy things such as equipment or materials. Let’s have a critical conversation about the importance of getting funding and discussing the key indicators of why working capital and equipment leasing are crucial in all areas of your business. You will learn about different types of funding that will be available, programs for all types of businesses regardless of your credit score, and about the required documents needed to apply for funding.
Press Release Basics
Wed, April 24, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Independent Writers of Chicago
Three experienced media professionals will teach the do’s and don’ts of how to write an outstanding press release that will attract media attention – and increase the chances of getting coverage. Also, learn what to do with a press release once it’s written. If you have a press release you would like critiqued, bring it! Speakers: Journalists David Steinkraus and Jeff Steele, and Advertising/Marketing specialist Laura Stigler of Shebang! Creative Content-2-Consulting.
How To Be A “YouTuber” For Your Business, Video Marketing 101
Fri, April 26, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by JinJa Birkenbeuel, Founder, The Honest Field Guide Podcast and CEO, Birk Creative
This YouTube workshop is for small business owners with a working website who want to learn how to create custom content and also create YouTube ads for your business. Learn how to create a business YouTube channel, understand the anatomy of a YouTube channel, learn how to use tags, and best practices for shooting a basic video. You will also learn how to promote your video on YouTube and other channels.
To register for a workshop, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Also, in case you weren’t aware, BACP offers a Business Start-Up Certificate Program, designed to give business owners the essential elements in starting and growing a business. Attend nine workshops at BACP and learn the essentials of business planning, financing, marketing, legal issues, technology and more. Complete the program workshops within six months and earn your certificate, as well as get free advice on your business plan. You can register for the Business Start-Up Certificate Program at any BACP workshop. Learn about the full set of BACP offerings here.
And visit their Business Video Library here.
Source: City of Chicago :: Business Education Workshop Calendar
One Page Business Plans: Simple and Highly Effective | SCORE
Although I can’t say I entirely agree with the “one-page business plan” being either a more effective approach or the “wave of the future,” I certainly have noticed that many folks are so daunted by the prospect of writing up a full business plan that instead they do nothing — which is not a healthy approach to starting your own small business. As such, I’m recommending this webinar recording offered at no charge by SCORE.
If your past business planning efforts have left you frustrated, you are not alone. Business planning does not have to be complicated and time-consuming. In this webinar produced by SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, creator of The One Page Business Plan® Jim Horan will teach you how to simplify and make your planning process effective. You’ll learn:
- How the discipline of having a plan on a single page can significantly change your mindset and behavior.
- How to write a complete business plan in the equivalent of 29 tweets (or less) on a single page using key words and short phrases.
- Three simple techniques for creating a first draft in 90 minutes.
- Inside secrets on how to get others to polish and finalize your plan at no cost.
Source: One Page Business Plans: Simple and Highly Effective | SCORE
ESOP-Cooperative Hybrid Webinar Series
A respected colleague of mine from the Co-op Professionals Guild has just released a FREE two-part webinar series on how to create an employee-owned/ cooperative hybrid.
(They had previously come out with Part One, but it sounds like it’s been enough of a success that they’ve made a series.)
ESOPs and employee-owned cooperatives share many similarities as well as differences, and each model can provide a distinct set of features for a business and their employees. Some businesses have found that each model has not been “enough”, and have taken parts of each to create something new – the “ESOP-operative”.
So how would such a hybrid work? This two-part webinar series will help outline how its done, what to look for, and watch out for, as well as a case study from a company that has made it work for them.
This webinar is co-sponsored by the Groban Olson Law Firm; the Center for Community Based Enterprise (C2BE); the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University (with support from the USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Program); Horizon Trust & Investment Management; and Once Again Nut Butter Collective, Inc.
These webinars are provided free of charge with support from the USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Program. If you would like to support the OEOC’s continued work in this area, you can do so here.
IRS Refundable Credit Due Diligence Training Module Available
Finally, (just in time for tax season? which started almost a month ago) — the updated Tax Year 2018 Due Diligence Training module is now available. The revised training includes tax law changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that affect due diligence requirements, and it may qualify for one continuing education credit for Enrolled Agents and other tax return preparers.
The due diligence requirements for tax preparers have gotten more and more complex since first initiated some years ago, and the TCJA continued that trend. If you prepare tax returns, you owe it to yourself and your clients to get educated in this area.
Source: eitc due diligence training module | EITC & Other Refundable Credits
City of Chicago March 2019 Business Education Workshops
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 they’re all offered at City Hall (right downtown and near public transit). To register for any of them, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Ask the Experts: Workshop 1 of BACP’s “Hear Us Roar” Women’s Workshop Series
Fri, March 1, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Moderated by Kenya Merritt, Chicago Chief Small Business Officer
Join us for an open dialogue with leading women business owners as they share their entrepreneurial journey in BACP’s “Hear Us Roar” Women’s workshop series. We will kick off the series with Stephanie Hart, Owner and CEO of Brown Sugar Bakery, Olga Camargo, Owner and CEO of Antigua Construction and Dorothy Muszynska of DM Marketing Group.
City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers
Wed, March 6, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
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.
What Makes Up a Good Website?
Fri, March 8, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Hans Skillrud, President of BuildThis
Your website visitors should only see the tip of the iceberg of your website. This lecture dives into the 7 unique parts of a website needed to ensure a website can generate leads. We will discuss SEO, Content, Design, Development, QA, Maintenance & performance tools to help you create a compelling website that generates leads.
Small Business Center on the Road Expo
Sat, March 9, 2019
Kennedy-King College, 740 W 63rd St – Building U
For more information and to register see my recent blog post!
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Wed, March 13, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Sandra Cavato Insurance Agency
In this session, attendees will learn the coverages needed for their business. We’ll discuss the right questions to ask your insurance professional and how to protect yourself and your business against lawsuits.
How to Obtain a Sidewalk Café Permit
Fri, March 15, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by BACP, Small Business Center – Public Way Use (PWU) Unit, Anthony Bertuca
Come learn about the Sidewalk Café Permit Application process by attending this informative workshop. We will explain the application process, inform you of all the requirements, and help you get prepared to submit an application to take advantage of the new year long sidewalk café permit. The entire application process may take up to 30 days and the 2019 Sidewalk Café Season begins on March 1st.
Employee Classification & Compensation Concerns
Wed, March 20, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Charles Krugel, a Management Side Labor, Employment and Human Resource Attorney This workshop will be a discussion of the legal and record keeping issues concerning the independent contractor & employee classifications, as well as hourly vs. salaried compensation & overtime.
What You Need to Know About Your Business & Taxes
Fri, March 22, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Presented by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Ladder Up (LU)/Center for Economic Progress (CEP)
Topics include: Are you required to file a tax return? Is your worker an independent contractor or an employee? What will the IRS request during an audit? Are you required to make estimated tax payments? What resources does the IRS have for small business owners?
Meaningful Goal Setting – How To Stay Motivated And On Track Through Decision Making
Wed, March 27, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself Consulting
When you run your own business it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the work you can do, and the decisions you have to make. Too often as business owners, we either just stop taking action or do too much. Either way, you are left stressed and exhausted. This workshop will discuss a decision making strategy that you can use to stay motivated and efficiently work toward your goals.
Navigating a Commercial Real Estate Transaction for Business Owners
Fri, March 29, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Lema Khorshid Esq., Partner, Fuksa Khorshid, LLC
Are you interested in leasing commercial property for your business? This is a tough real estate market – know how to navigate your way through commercial leases. You’ll gain an abundance of knowledge and practical tips from her as you learn how to locate the ideal property, negotiate the right lease for your business and understand the pitfalls in commercial leases, all while she teaches you how to save money.
To register for a workshop, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Also, in case you weren’t aware, BACP offers a Business Start-Up Certificate Program, designed to give business owners the essential elements in starting and growing a business. Attend nine workshops at BACP and learn the essentials of business planning, financing, marketing, legal issues, technology and more. Complete the program workshops within six months and earn your certificate, as well as get free advice on your business plan. You can register for the Business Start-Up Certificate Program at any BACP workshop. Learn about the full set of BACP offerings here.
And visit their Business Video Library here.
Source: City of Chicago :: Business Education Workshop Calendar
Free Webinar: “How a Co-op ESOP Hybrid Works”
I’ve met Deb at many co-op professionals conferences and I’m sure this webinar promises to be a highly interesting and educational opportunity for those interested in the topic.
Democratic ESOPs or ESOPs with many co-op features has been a specialty of Deb Olson’s law practice for 38 years. Once Again Nut Butter Collective (OANB) is the featured example company in this webinar. OANB’s CEO, Bob Gelser, a worker board member, Scott Owens, and Deb, who is board chair of OANB will present on the two and ½ years of work that has led to the OANB participatory decision making system, and the history leading to it. Deb will talk about legal mechanisms and issues. Bob and Scott will talk about the practical issues of making a participatory workplace of 80 people function efficiently. Chris Cooper of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) will moderate.
This event is cosponsored by the Groban Olson Law Firm, the Center for Community Based Enterprise (C2BE), the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University (with support from the USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Program); Horizon Trust & Investment Management; and Once Again Nut Butter Collective, Inc.
Source: Meeting Registration
2019 City of Chicago Small Business Center on the Road Expos
From the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs:
The Small Business Center on the Road Expos are back for 2019! The FREE expos bring business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago.
Register at www.ChiSmallBizExpo.com
The first ‘Small Business Center on the Road Expo’ of 2019 is on March 9th at Kennedy King College (6301 S. Halsted St – U Building)!
Expo details:
- Keynote Speaker
- FREE assistance from business consultants to begin the licensing process
- Resources on Procurement, Financial, Insurance, Consumer information
- Financial Advisers on-hand to answer questions
- Perfect your Elevator Pitch
- Mini makeovers featuring Tricoci University
- Tech Lane! There will be technology industry exhibitors offering technology resources for your business. Ask about tech solutions to streamline your business operations, tech marketing and advertising strategies and tech analytics to help reach and identify your clients
- FREE Headshot from a professional photographer to be used for marketing/promotional materials
- FREE Tax Clinic: One-on-One counseling sessions provided by Center for Economic Progress (CEP)
- FREE Law Clinic: Legal advice and support provided by The Community Law Project
- FREE Networking Hour: Connect and exchange ideas with like-minded entrepreneurs provided by Chicago’s Office of the City Treasurer from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
- Food Trucks
- Exhibitors
- 3 Free Workshops (12:00 – 1:00 p.m.) including:
Roadmap to Business Financing
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.How to Really Start Your Business
Presented by Score
Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, what are the first steps you should take? This workshop will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream.How to Write a One Page Business Plan
Presented by Greater Englewood Community Development Center
This session will demonstrate how to develop a one-page business plan or business model canvas. For potential key stakeholders, who may not have a lot of time reading through a traditional business plan; a one page can get the idea of your business across quickly and succinctly. It’s a very good exercise to trim it down to the absolute minimum—it forces you to get rid of needless words and communicate your business idea clearly, with minimal clutter.Register at www.ChiSmallBizExpo.com
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