At the most recent National Association of Tax Professionals annual conference, I noticed that although I was in seminars with seasoned professionals — many of whom know a lot more than I do in certain areas of tax law — there was an overall lack of understanding of the topic of Reasonable Compensation for S-Corp shareholders. Misinformation abounded, with “tips and tricks” rather than legal precedent guiding the way.
Some years ago, I took a series of classes presented by Paul Hamann, President of RCReports Inc., and learned all about the court cases that have defined the issue of Reasonable Compensation over the years. I chose to subscribe to their annual service (no, I do not get any special favors or payment for promoting their product — I’m just a fan)… but even if I hadn’t, the education I received on the topic helped inform my client advisory practice and it made me a better tax preparer and CPA.
Turns out that he’s got another class coming up with CPA Academy in a couple of days, and I wanted to encourage you to take it, and to spread the word (this advice holds whether you’re an S-Corp owner or a CPA/ EA/ Accountant/ Tax Preparer/ Bookkeeper).
Thursday, August 29, 2019
12:00 PM ET – 11:00 AM CT – 10:00 AM MT – 9:00 AM PT
FREE – 2.0 hours CPE / 2 CE
Between 2010 and 2013 a flurry of court cases and IRS enforcement brought the issue of ‘What is Reasonable Compensation for a Shareholder-Employee of an S Corp’ out of the shadows and placed it forefront as a priority issue for CPA’s, Tax and Financial advisors to cover with their clients. There are tools today that take the guesswork out of determining Reasonable Compensation, and help build rapport and trust with your clients.
– Review why Reasonable Compensation has become a priority for the SB/SE division of the IRS
– Demonstrate the basic advantages of Distributions vs. Salary/Wages
– Identify options for determining Reasonable Compensation
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, September 4, 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.
Side Hustle Success
Fri, September 6, 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 In this workshop you will hear from entrepreneurs who have turned their passion into a profit. This workshop is targeted for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business within the creative or arts sector. Our panelists will share their strategies on how they moved from side hustle to success.
Small Business Center on the Road Expo 2019-09-07 Harry S Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave – McKeon Lobby 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.chismallbizexpo.com
Social Media Workplace Policies & the Law Wed, September 11, 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 is an open discussion with human resources lawyer Charles Krugel concerning: what courts and government regulators are saying about workplace social media policies, employee content & account ownership (who owns what); how a business can protect its social media image; what should a business do if an employee discusses something inappropriate; what businesses should do to control how & who uses its social media & related hardware or equipment; & what are the areas of liability for businesses and how to avoid or minimize liability.
Access to Capital and Avoiding Predatory Financing
Fri, September 13, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Geri Aglipay, The Small Business Majority Learn about how to navigate safe financing options in Chicago to start and grow your business. Understand how to avoid predatory small business funding and where to go for free assistance. An overview of crowdfunding will also be provided.
Como Lanzar Su Negocio En Chicago
Wed, September 18, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805 Presentado por ESDC – Economic Strategies Development Corporation (Workshop will be presented in Spanish) Exploramos los primeros pasos para empezar su negocio, incluyendo: primeros pasos, investigación de mercado, plan de negocio y recursos estatales gratis, ademas aprenda acerca del tipo de licencia que necesitará y los tipos de estructura legal que existen.
How To Be A “YouTuber” For Your Business, Video Marketing 101
Fri, September 20, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103 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.
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Wed, September 25, 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.
Buying and Selling a Business: Find, Evaluate and Negotiate
Fri, September 27, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid, LLC Do you want to buy a business and don’t know where to start? In this step-by-step seminar learn how buying a business can be an alternative to starting up a new business. Also, learn how to effectively analyze new business opportunities and understand a business purchase contract so that you can quickly close the deal.
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.
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.
Are You Startup Ready?
Fri, August 2, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Cavanaugh L. Gray, Director of Business Development for The Entrepreneur Cafe, LLC A lot of small businesses start off with a great idea, but no clear direction or purpose. Hear from startup specialist Cavanaugh Gray as he walks you through the Startup Questionnaire designed to help better navigate the small business landscape all before considerable time and money have been spent.
City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers Wed, August 7, 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.
Sell A Product or Service Online or in a Facebook Shop Using WordPress WooCommerce
Fri, August 9, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Dante Hamilton, Chicago WordPress Meetup Group With the Holiday Shopping Season just a few months away, now is the time to setup and deploy an E-Commerce WordPress website solution. In this workshop you will learn how to Install WooCommerce; Enable Stripe and PayPal Payment Gateways; Set Up a Shipping Zone; Add a Simple Product, Variable Product and Downloadable Product; Upload Product Images and Gallery Photos; Make a Test Sale using Stripe.com Payments. Bonus Feature: Discover how to setup a Custom Branded Apparel Store using Printful.com and integrate with a Facebook Shop using WooCommerce and WordPress.
Employee Handbooks Essentials
Wed, August 14, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805 Presented by Noah A. Frank, Labor & Employment Attorney in SmithAmundsen’s Chicago Office Are you just starting out and need to know what to put in an employee handout? Or are you like most employers, and already have an employee handbook, but you haven’t updated it in a while, and are no longer sure that it complies with current laws? Will your handbook stand up to increased scrutiny by the DOL, EEOC, OSHA, or NLRB? Will your handbook get you into trouble in your next employee lawsuit? Employment laws and regulations are ever-changing which means every few years (or more frequently!), you need to dust off that handbook and give it a proper evaluation. This workshop will discuss the purpose of an employee handbook; wage/hour compliance; safety standards; new EEO reporting and complaint procedure language; surviving DOL, OSHA, NLRB and EEOC scrutiny; what should be included (and excluded) in an employee handbook; privacy, workplace searches and drug testing policies; preserving the at-will employment relationship; ineffective language to avoid; what to do when there is a union workforce; and other common employee handbook mistakes.
Scams & Frauds Targeting Businesses
Fri, August 16, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Businesses continue to be targets of scams and frauds because they make money — for the criminals. Businesses can lose tens of thousands of dollars to a single fraud. Research shows a data breach will cause 60% of small and mid-size businesses to go out of business within six months! The average cost of a typical cyber attack is $200,000. Learn the steps to take to help protect your business against these crimes.
How to Open a Concession at O’Hare or Midway Airport Wed, August 21, 3:00 PM – 4:30 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.
How To Get Money For Your Business
Fri, August 23, 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 all different types of funding that will be available, programs for all types of businesses regardless of your credit score and the required documents needed to apply for funding.
Write Website Content that Works!
Wed, August 28, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805 Presented by Francisco Ramirez, Chimbly Consultants Business owners know that their websites and marketing materials are only as good as the content they offer. Writing this content often feels like an unpleasant chore. Participants will learn and use a framework to craft content that’s easy to write and your customers will want to read.
Business Licensing 101
Fri, August 30, 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 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.
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.
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.
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Wed, July 3, 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.
NO WORKSHOP DUE TO HOLIDAY
2019-07-05
City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers Wed, July 10, 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.
A Simple Recipe for Social Media Success
Fri, July 12, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Stephanie Walters, MBA, Blue Top Marketing As a small business, social media is overwhelming and often feels like you’re just spinning your wheels. You have to figure out where to be, how to be engaging, and how to get results—all with a limited amount of time and resources. That’s why in this session we’ll provide a recipe for social media that saves time and gets results to grow your business. You’ll learn how to choose the right social networks for your business, the 15-minute social media plan and getting started in the pay-to-play world of social media.
Get Capital for Your Small Business with Kiva and Accion
Wed, July 17, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805 Presented by David Johnson, Accion & Ryan Holland, Kiva Hear from Kiva, a nonprofit that provides 0% interest loans of up to $10,000 to small business owners and entrepreneurs, and from Accion, a small business lender with loan ranges of up to $100,000 for small and existing businesses.
Recognizing and Protecting Your Company’s Trademarks, Patents, Trade Secrets, and Copyrights
Fri, July 19, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. La Salle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Patrick J. Smith, Partner, registered patent attorney at Greer, Burns & Crain, Ltd. Learn the basic differences between copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets and the assets they protect. Knowing the differences will help you to take the right steps and make the right decisions to protect your company’s intellectual property assets.
How To Use Facebook Live And Other Streams To Build Your Business
Wed, July 24, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805 Presented by Jackson DeLisle, Social Jack Video has proven to be the best method to increase engagement, over 10x more response than regular text and images! Now we have Instagram, YouTube, Facebook LIVE Streaming and others, even LinkedIn is getting in on the action, and Jackson will share his team’s best video and streaming techniques and case studies. Social Jack™ has produced and worked with over 2,000 videos and streams as it relates to Social Media. He will share how they use multiple stream options to test and feed video content for quick use, test and conversion. Then once those streams are over, it’s time to turn those videos into a campaign. You will leave with an easy to follow overview of their process so that you can implement and enjoy the rewards of live streaming and video conversion. In this session, you’ll leave with tips to kick up your live stream attendance, how to setup and use Facebook LIVE, steps to optimize your YouTube Channel, easy to follow production steps , hacks to quickly convert your video to a campaign, how to leverage team’s members and influencers and a simple checklist to put this into practice.
The Business of Entrepreneurship
Fri, July 26, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103 Presented by Vincent Williams , Director of Business & Entrepreneurship – YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Starting a business is not easy. It takes commitment, dedication, support and follow thought. Join us in the workshop to learn our top tips for startup success.
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.
I’ll be giving a presentation this Wednesday, June 26th at 5:30 pm at Ampersand Cowork in Logan Square (Chicago) for their series Drink & Think: Entrepreneurship @ Ampersand! The topic is, “Thinking About Starting a Small Business – Side Business – Freelance Gig? Here’s What You Need To Know First.”
From the SBA (June 16, 2019) — In case you missed the 2019 National Small Business Week Virtual Conference, you are still in luck. The seven webinars are available to watch on demand. The topics include SBA funding programs, driving growth with customer obsession, online marketing and ads, mastering your cash flow, government contracting and disaster preparedness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
