January’s Business Workshops Focus on Startups and Online Marketing

For Immediate Release

Attachment: January 2013 Calender

If your New Year’s resolution is to start a new business, then get free support from the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) at its Business Education Workshops every Wednesday and Friday at City Hall. The January 2013 calendar focuses on startups and online marketing.

BACP’s Solution Station partners – SCORE, The Law Project and ACCION – are helping Stratups with “ABCs of Starting a Business,” “Legal Aspects of Starting a Business,” and “Alternative Ways to Finance Your Business,” while SWATware will present “Branding 101 for Small Business.” Web based workshops include “LinkedIn to Profitability: How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Business” and “Get Connected: Online Tools for Your Business.” Additionally, the city of Chicago will present “Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions, Get Answers,” “How to Obtain a Sidewalk Cafe Permit,” and “How to Become Certified/ How to Become Certified”

To register for a workshop or for more information, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call (312) 744-2086. Workshops are conducted by city officials, BACP’s partner organizations, and experts in the industry. Workshops are located at the BACP City Hall Office, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805. Learn more about BACP programs and events by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/bacp.

January 2013 Business Workshop Calendar

1/2      *Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions, Get Answers

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago

To operate a successful business in Chicago you must know the requirements. At this workshop you can talk to inspectors from four City departments who will point out the do’s and don’ts of operating your business, and provide insight on how to operate safely, stay compliant, and prepare for inspections. Don’t miss this workshop!

1/4          ABCs of Starting a Business

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
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.

1/9          Legal Aspects of Starting a Business

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the Law Project, Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights

This workshop will cover the legal aspects of starting a small business with a focus on choosing the correct corporate entity. Corporate structure, intellectual property matters (such as obtaining copyrights and/or trademarks), real estate transactions, personnel/ employment issues, and contractual matters also will be covered.

1/11        LinkedIn to Profitability: How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Business

9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 
Presented by Brandon Lewin, Vice President of Business Development for Image Perspective

Whether you are new to LinkedIn or have been using the social platform for a while and are looking for more advanced ways of developing new business, this presentation is just for you. Even if you think you know everything about LinkedIn and how to generate business from the site, we are confident you will walk away with new tactics and a new view of using LinkedIn.  

1/16        How to Obtain a Sidewalk Cafe Permit

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Take the mystery out of the Sidewalk Cafe 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 30 - 45 days, and the 2013 Sidewalk Cafe Season begins on March 1, so make sure to reserve your seat now.

1/18        Alternative Ways to Finance Your Business

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Kyama Kitavi, Sr. Loan Officer, ACCION Chicago

Learn about alternative methods of financing your business from Chicago's largest micro-lender. As a small business lender, ACCION Chicago is dedicated to providing financing and business education to small businesses that are unable to get traditional financing. They offer loans of up to $20,000 for startups and $50,000 for established businesses. 

1/23        Get Connected: Online Tools for Your Business

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Chatham Business Association

Are you starting or trying to grow your business? Develop a strong business marketing strategy and communication plan by understanding the differences between marketing, advertising, and public relations. This workshop also offers basic information on how to market your business through social media. Learn how Facebook, Twitter, Google and more can be used to your advantage. Feel free to bring your laptop or tablet to follow along.

1/25        Branding 101 for Small Business  

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Presented by Laura Sanchez, CEO SWATware, LLC 

Build your company credibility, attract customers, and gain an edge over the competition by making your business more memorable among consumers. Come and learn how to make an effective brand for your business and take it to the next level.

1/30        *How to Become Certified

1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

This workshop will provide information on which businesses are qualified to become certified as a Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise. Learn what documents are required, where to go for help, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

               Doing Business with the City of Chicago

               3:15 to 4:30 p.m.

               This information is designed to outline the role and responsibility of the Department of Procurement Services, and how the City's purchasing process works. This workshop is ideal for companies looking to do business with the City of Chicago.