August Calendar - Free Business Workshops - Learn how to capture consumers with online marketing and how to green your business

Today, BACP announced the free business workshops offered during the month of August, 2011.  This month,  the workshops  focus on business essentials,  such as how to write an effective business plan and how to finance a small business. Other workshops teach entrepreneurs how to green a business or capture consumers using online marketing.

Workshops are conducted by city officials, BACP’s partner organizations or by experts in the industry.  Workshops are located at BACP City Hall Office, 121 N. La Salle Street, Room 805.

To register for a workshop or for more information call, 312-744-5344 or by emailing OEBACP@cityofchicago.org. You can learn more about BACP programs and events by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/bacp.

8/3 - Licensing, Permits & Inspections 101* - Talk to City Inspectors Get Answers -  3:00pm to 4:30pm -Presented by the City of Chicago

To operate a successful business in Chicago you must know the requirements.  Talk to inspectors from five City departments who will provide insight to operate safely, stay compliant, help prepare for licensing, permits and inspections, point out the do’s and don’ts of operating your business. Don’t miss this workshop.

8/5 - Financial Assistance to Grow Your Business - 9:30am to 11:00am - Presented by the Small Business Administration (SBA)

If you want to expand your existing business or need working capital, the SBA may be a viable option.  Learn about SBA programs and resources, and how to apply for assistance that may help you achieve your financial goals.

8/10 - How to Write an Effective Business Plan - 2:00pm to 4:00pm - Presented by Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies - University of Illinois at Chicago

In this workshop, you will learn the writing process and mandatory components of a business plan, what bankers and investors are looking for, and useful writing/packaging tips. Also, you will learn some basic techniques on how to use MS Excel to create your business financial projections. Furthermore, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of business plan software.

8/12 - On-Line Marketing- Capturing the Right Consumer - 9:30am to 11:00am - Presented by Imagen Communications- Jesse Caballero

Learn everything you need to know to take your business online.  Know how to market your business on the internet, including building a website, managing an email newsletter or mailing list, blogging, social networking and e-commerce. 

8/17 - City Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) - 2:00pm to 4:00pm - Presented by the Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

This workshop is a must for small businesses interested in completing a City of Chicago Request for Proposal (RFP). Learn best practices on responding to a City RFP, what evaluators look for in RFPs, common mistakes and helpful tips to navigate the RFP specification.

8/19 - How to Finance your Small Business - 9:30am to 11:00am - Presented by Illinois SBDC/Duman Micro Enterprise Center at JVS

More than ever, business owners are having trouble obtaining a business loan.  Know what banks are looking for to finance your loan.  Learn how to prepare for a loan and the difference between small business loans, short-term loans and pre-loan qualifications. 

8/24 - NEW!  Shared Kitchen & Shared Kitchen User License - 2pm to 4pm - Presented by the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection

On September 6, 2011, a new ordinance will go into effect that creates a special category of business licenses for the operators and users of shared use commercial kitchens in the City of Chicago.  Come and learn more about the new licenses, who needs them, what are the requirements and how to apply.

8/26 - How to Green Your Business - 9:30am to 11:00am - Presented by Andersonville Development Corporation & eco-Andersonville, Go to Green

Many business owners know there are economic benefits to going green, but they are still looking for concrete steps in order to actually implement such projects.  This session will go beyond “just information,” to provide meaningful, cost-effective strategies to green your operations and make a lasting impact on your triple bottom line proven to work in the small businesses of Andersonville and beyond.  Bring specific green questions to receive assistance from our experts.  

8/31 - * How to Become Certified - 2:00 to 3:00pm 

Doing Business with the CITY OF CHICAGO - 3:15 to 4:30pm

Presented by the Office of Compliance and the Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

Are you interested in doing business with or being a certified vendor with the City of Chicago? You don’t want to miss this workshop. Come learn about the different types of procurement opportunities as well as the City’s contract monitoring and compliance standards.

*workshops offered once a month

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