Tag Archives: workshops

How To Raise Capital For Your Small Business Start-Up — FREE Webinar 8/10/22

July 29, 2022 Nancy McClelland Leave a comment

This excellent series of free webinars designed to help small business owners succeed in a challenging world — offered by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) — is back with a can’t-miss Business Education Workshop Webinar on Wednesday, August 10th at 3 pm Central. All their webinars are free and open to the public, and many are offered online, which means that anyone can attend — they’re not restricted to Chicago small business owners.

I wanted to highlight this upcoming session in particular; it’s part of the SCORE Chicago Funding Webinar Series. In case you’re unfamiliar with SCORE (the Service Corps Of Retired Executives), it’s an amazing resource funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, offering education, mentorship, and tools to help people start, develop, and grow businesses. The Chicago Chapter is particularly robust and offers many opportunities for training, as well as a free suite of templates — such as business planning and financial projections.

Both SCORE and BACP offer many sessions on raising capital, which you can watch on the Chicago BACP YouTube Channel, or SCORE’s Online Webinar Library.

This webinar should be of special interest to our readers, as it’s an interview with two small business owners who will walk through the experience that they had working with SCORE to access capital through different methods of financing, in different rounds throughout the stages of their business growth. For me, hearing “how we did it” from other small business owners is not only educational, but inspiring, and I hope this upcoming webinar will offer you both angles.

Wednesday, 8/10 Webinar at 3:00 PM
How We Did It: Raising Capital for Your Business
Presented by Score Chicago
(Part of a Score Chicago Funding Webinar Series)

In this webinar, you will learn how two Chicago entrepreneurs, former SCORE Chicago clients, and founders of Tiesta Tea Dan Klein and Patrick Tannous raised 4 rounds of financing totaling over $8 million. Tiesta Tea has also used many different methods of funding including friends/family, factoring, purchase order (PO) financing, SBA loans, Angel Investors, and VC funding. Dan and Patrick will share their experiences raising capital during the different growth stages of their business.

Tiesta Tea is a company that used SCORE Chicago to get started in 2010. Dan and Patrick know first-hand how important mentorship is for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking mentoring from SCORE to accelerate the growth and success of their businesses. The founders, Dan Klein and Patrick Tannous, started with nothing but an idea to sell tea, and fast-forward 10 years, they have sold over $54MM of their product. They sell their teas in thousands of retail stores, including Walmart, Jewel, Mariano’s, Amazon, Costco and many more.

Register for the 8/10 Webinar

Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.

Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.

BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education workshop and webinar series.

For program details (enrollment, requirements, contact information, etc.) and to enroll go to Entrepreneur Certificate Program.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. Ths allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

Education, Illinois, Tips

May 2020 Chicago BACP Business Education Workshop Webinars

May 13, 2020 Nancy McClelland Leave a comment

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is no longer offering their usual onsite workshops, but they are announcing a few virtual ones — not a whole month at-a-time, so I’ll just append this post as I learn of new ones. Here’s what we know about so far.

Wednesday, 5/13 at 3:00 PM Webinar
Protecting Yourself Against Business COVID and Cybersecurity Scams – Stop Perpetrators in Their Tracks
Presented by the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois and Sagin IT Services/Data Protection and Network Security

Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois and Sagin IT Services/Data Protection and Network Security will team up for “Protecting yourself against Business COVID and Cybersecurity Scams – Stop Perpetrators in their Tracks.”

Click here to register for the Wednesday, 5/13 Webinar.

Thursday, 5/14 at 9:30 AM Webinar
Paycheck Protection Program & Other SBA Resources for Small Businesses
Presented by the SBA Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Mayle

If your small business has been impacted by coronavirus, join this free online training to learn more about serveral funding programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Paycheck Protection Program. We’ll discuss eligibility requirements, how to find a lender, and timelines for disbursement. Bring your questions.

Click here to register for the Thursday, 5/14 Webinar.

Friday, 5/15 at 9:30 AM Webinar
Manage Your Business Remotely
Presented by JinJa Birkenbeuel, Birk Creative, A Certified Grow With Google Partner

In this live class, I will share the free and easy to access Google tools that can help you stay productive no matter where you are.
In this session we’ll show you how to:
– Update your customers with critical business information through your Business Profile, Google Ads, and your website.
– Communicate remotely with your customers and employees with tools like Google Meets and Gmail, and how to access and collaborate on files with your team through Google Drive.
– And we’ll share next steps and resources available to help you manage remotely.

Click here to register for Friday, 5/15 Webinar.

Wednesday, 5/20 at 3:00 PM Webinar
A Focus on Empathy: Storytelling in Branding
Presented by Adam Arcus, VP, Creative at 1871

Learn the importance of storytelling in branding that engages empathy alongside design, multimedia, and copywriting with Adam Arcus, VP, Creative at 1871. Take away tangible and actionable methods on how to lead with empathy as a business in order to connect with your customers during the Coronavirus Pandemic including: memory making science, multimedia storytelling made simple, and the importance of narrative in a brand.

Click here to register for the Wednesday, 5/20 Webinar.

Friday, 5/22 at 9:30 AM Webinar
Small Business Capital and Coaching During the Recovery
Presented by Accion Serving Illinois & Indiana

As Chicago’s economy starts to reopen, how can your business be best prepared? Join this presentation, with moderated Q&A after, in which Accion Serving Illinois & Indiana CEO Brad McConnell will discuss capital and coaching options for small business during the COVID-19 recovery period.

Click here to register for the Friday, 5/22 Webinar.

Wednesday, 5/27 at 3:00 PM Webinar
Transform Your Dream Into a Real Startup
Presented by Score Chicago

Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, do you know what the start-up journey is like? Or what initial steps you need to take? This webinar will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream. The webinar will also cover pricing, promotion, competition and marketing to give you a competitive edge.
Topics Covered in the Start-up Webinar:
· Identifying Successful Traits
· Assessing Your Journey
· Navigating Organization and Regulations
· Gauging Market Potential
· Avoiding Failure

Click here to register for the Wednesday, 5/27 Webinar.

Friday, 5/29 at 9:30 AM Webinar
Marketing Strategy and Tactic
Presented by Chimbly Consultants

Are you wondering what a marketing strategy can look like? Are you interested in learning about how marketing tactics are connected to strategy? In this workshop, Francisco Ramirez from Chimbly Consultants will cover the basics of marketing starting with strategy. Participants will leave with an understanding of the importance of marketing strategy and what tactics to use and measure to be successful in business.

Click here to register for the Friday, 5/29 Webinar.

Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.

Previous Webinars:

To view the Paycheck Protection Program & Other SBA Resources for Small Businesses, click here.
To view the Resources Small Businesses During the COVID Pandemic, click here.
To view the Navigating the New Stay at Home Order, click here.
To view the Workers’ Rights and Resources During COVID-19 webinar -Spanish, click here.
To view the Workers’ Rights and Resources During COVID-19 webinar -English, click here.

Partner Webinars:

To view the Coronavirus (covid-19): Small Business Guiance & Loan Resources by The Small Business Administration (SBA), click here.
To view Coronavirus (covid-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Recovery for Sole Proprietors by The Small Business Administration (SBA), click here.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

Education, Illinois, Tips

City of Chicago March 2020 Business Education Workshops

February 26, 2020 Nancy McClelland Leave a comment

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, March 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.

Empieza Un Pequeno Negocio
Fri, March 6, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

(WorkshopPresented in Spanish)
Presentado por el Northwest Side CDC(Northwest Side Community Development Corporation)

Venga aprender como abrir un negocio, los pasos quedebe de tener y no tomar. Habláramos sobre creando un plan de negocio, entiendosu mercado, y creando un plan de acción. También se hablara los pasos parasacar su licencia de negociante.

Small Business Center on the Road Expo
Sat, March 7, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Kennedy King College – Building U, 740 W. 63rd Street
The Small Business Center on the Road Expo brings business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago. This expo is free and open to the public. You can find more information or register expo at www.chismallbizexpo.com

Employee (HR) Handbooks & Workplace Policies
Wed, March 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
Open discussion concerning whether a business needs a handbook, written policies & procedures, and how to implement them.

Buying and Selling a Business: Find, Evaluate and Negotiate
Fri, March 13, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by LemaKhorshid, 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.

How to Open a Concession at O’Hare and Midway International Airports
Wed, March 18, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805

Presented by City of ChicagoDepartment 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 and how to operate a business at the airport. This workshop will also provide an overview of the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program.

How to Obtain a Mobile Business License
Fri, March 20, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by City of Chicago Department of BusinessAffairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

From Food Trucks to Peddlers to Mobile Merchants, not all businesses need a store front from which to operate and Chicago is proud to support many types of mobile businesses. Attend this workshop to learn how to obtain a Mobile Food or Retail License from the BACP, including operational conditions, required inspections and application processes. Licenses covered by this workshop will include Mobile Food Dispenser and Preparer (Food Trucks), Mobile Merchant, Mobile Prepared Food Vendor, Mobile Frozen Desserts Vendor, Produce Merchant, and Peddler.

What Kind of Funding is Right For You/Your Business
Wed, March 25, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805

Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration

If you need access to capital to achieve your business goals, the SBA offers a variety of funding programs for all kinds of small business ventures. Learn what kind of funding is right for you!

What You Need to Know About Your Business & Taxes
Fri, March 27, 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

This workshop will answer important tax questions for your business including: 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?

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

Education, Illinois, IRS, Tips

Chicago Feb 2020 Business Education Workshops

January 27, 2020 Nancy McClelland Leave a comment

City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers
Wed, February 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.

Construction Project Management
Fri, February 7, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) and Department of Planning & Development (DPD)
Working with design and construction professionals to make your business dream a reality takes smart planning and organization. Learn the best practices for establishing your schedule and budget, hiring the right professionals and dealing with unforeseen challenges to ensure your project is completed on-time and on-budget.

NO WORKSHOP DUE TO HOLIDAY
2020-02-12

Speak Up and Speak Out: Public Speaking Training for Small Business Owners
Fri, February 14, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Michele Williams MSW, MA, Public Speaking Consultant and Columbia College Speech Instructor
You have started or plan to start your own business. You know you have something special to offer but does the rest of the world? Whether it’s giving an elevator pitch, hiring staff, giving a community lecture, talking to a loan officer, or speaking at a National Conference knowing the basics of public speaking will enhance your ability to confidently speak up and speak out. Your speaker Michele Williams has been adjunct faculty at Columbia College for over 32 years and is a public speaking consultant. She has helped over 1,000 people become more confident public speakers. Topics include: choosing topics, types of speeches, organizing the speech, dealing with fear, relaxation, non verbal communication, relating to the audience, use of language and creating new opportunities.

How to Obtain a Sidewalk Café Permit
Wed, February 19, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP), 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. The entire application process may take up to 30 days and the 2020 Sidewalk Cafés Season begins on March 1^st.

Choosing the Right Legal Entity: A Small Business Entity Workshop
Fri, February 21, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (CLC)
As an entrepreneur starting a new business, you will be faced with many important decisions; one of the first and most important decisions will be selecting the right legal structure for your business. The legal entity you choose will impact many critical aspects of your business, such as your ability to raise capital, how your company will be managed, its tax treatment, liability protection for managers and more. At “Choosing the Right Legal Entity: A Small Business Entity Workshop”, CLC equitable development and small business attorney, Akele Parnell, will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various business structures including the Sole Proprietorship, C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC, Benefit Corporation, Cooperative Association and more.

What You Need to Know About Your Business & Taxes
Wed, February 26, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. – 8th Floor, Room 805
Presented by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Ladder Up
This workshop will answer important tax questions for your business including: 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?

Digital Mindset for Growth 101
Fri, February 28, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street – 11th Floor, Room 1103
Presented by Grow With Google #GoogleDigitalCoaches with JinJa Birkenbeuel
Learn how to change your mindset from analog to digital by translating your entrepreneurial dreams into online action for your brand and your business. We will give guidance on how to create goal-based strategies for your business that will help it become more “discoverable’ and recognized online so you can connect with customers. We will touch on creative branding, social media, YouTube and content strategies. Come ready with your mobile phone to work and learn!