From the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce:
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Celebrate Small Business Week
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Source: Crain’s Small Business Week | Crain’s Chicago Business
Category Archives: Illinois
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
Important Changes to Illinois Business Tax Payment Forms for 2019
This has got to be the most self-referential blog post I’ve ever written. But the whole reason I started my blog in the first place was to create an easily-searchable resource to store the research I regularly perform for clients, as well as a one-stop reference location for important announcements I receive from the various tax and licensing agencies or professional organizations with whom I work. It was just a place I could store these items to make my own future searches easier — it was meant for my own use, with no idea it would become both popular and award-winning. (Thanks to all of you!)
In any case, today I was calculating quarterly estimated tax payments for an Illinois S-Corporation’s replacement tax for 2019 (which are pre-payments made toward the annual return total due — the same as quarterly estimated taxes for individuals, but these are voluntary), and I remembered that the old form had changed… and yet I couldn’t find an obvious hit when I googled what that replacement form was. But: I remembered that I’d blogged about it!
I couldn’t find the post after scrolling back through every post from yesterday through September 2018 and thought I was losing my mind. My husband taught me a neat google search trick:
“IL-516-B” site:thedancingaccountant.com
This means that I want google to look for my search term (the old tax form name), but only within my website. It worked! Turned out they posted this news for 2019 back in July of 2018, which is why I couldn’t find it when I looked back through my posts — I just didn’t go back far enough.
Anyway, here’s the post: Important Changes to Illinois Business Tax Payment Forms On 1/1/19 | The Dancing Accountant
And the jist is that the form is now specific to the type of entity, not the type of payment. So S-Corp pre-payments will use the same form they would use if it were a balance due payment or an extension payment. Done!
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
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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City of Chicago February 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, February 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.
Create Your 2019 Social Media Plan
Fri, February 8, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Business Bragger
Set goals each quarter for 2019, determine which platforms are best for you to use your business, create a messaging concept and set KPIs to track your results.
New Food Code Workshop
Wed, February 13, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Gerrin Butler, City of Chicago Department of Public Health
This workshop will provide information for retail food establishments to prepare for the City of Chicago new food code requirements. These requirements are based on the latest science, conform to federal guidelines, state and local laws.
Get Capital for Your Small Business with Kiva and Accion
Fri, February 15, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by Kiva and Accion
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.
How to Open a Concession at O’Hare or Midway Airport
Wed, February 20, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by 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.
What You Need to Know About Your Business & Taxes
Fri, February 22, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
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?
Customer Service
Wed, February 27, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
One element of every successful business is Customer Service. It’s importance should never be underestimated. Nor should it be assumed employees understand it. This presentation by the Better Business Bureau uses the latest research to help businesses understand how customers themselves view customer service, and how a “better business” is defined by customers.
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 January 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 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
Dec 12-21 Chicago Business Education Workshops
Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) offers small business workshops every Wednesday and Friday. Workshops vary each month and are conducted by City Officials, experts, and partner business organizations. There are only four left in 2018:
Press Release Basics: Wed, December 12, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Drawing Web Traffic – Increase Your Audience, Grow Your Business: Fri, December 14, 9:30am – 11:00am
The Basics of Employment Policies, Handbooks & Contracts: Wed, December 19, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance: Fri, December 21, 9:30am – 11:00am
All workshops are free and open to the public. Workshops are held at BACP’s offices located in Room 805 and Room 1103 at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., in downtown Chicago. The full calendar is here.
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 Pop-Up Business License Workshop Nov 28
Wed, November 28, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805Starting December 1st, the City’s new Pop-Up User and Pop-Up Host business licenses will be available for short-term general retail or food sales, providing new options to entrepreneurs and owners of commercial spaces. Learn about the unique features which allow the User to “pop-up” around the City during the license term, the license application 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.
To register, please email BACPoutreach@ci
tyofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086.
Source: City of Chicago :: Business Education Workshop Calendar