BACP August Workshops Focus on Business Start Up and Growth

For Immediate Release

July 19th, 2012

City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

Attachment: August 2012 Business Education Workshop Calendar

 BACP August Workshops Focus on Business Start Up and Growth

The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) continues to offer FREE Business Education Workshops every Wednesday and Friday at City Hall.   The August calendar will focus on starting and growing existing business.    

This month, attend workshops on topics that focus on business start-up essentials like financing and accounting with “Alternative Financing: Micro Loans” and “Introduction to Business Accounting.”  Learn business basics with “Business Licensing 101” and “How to Obtain a Liquor License” and “Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions Get Answers.”   You also do not want to miss the workshops on growing your business with technology, topics include: “Smart Phone Marketing” and “Online Marketing Basics – How to Make Online Marketing Work for Your Business.”  Lastly, find out information on “How to Become Certified/Doing Business With the City of Chicago”, “How to Get Certified With the State of Illinois as M/FBE and Small Business” and “The Job Order Contracting(JOC) Informational Seminar.”   

To register for a workshop or for more information, call 312-744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org. 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.

You can learn more about BACP programs and events by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/bacp.

August 2012 Business Workshop Calendar

 8/1      *Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Question 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 four City departments who will provide insight to operate safely, stay compliant, help prepare for inspections and point out the do’s and don’ts of operating your business. Don’t miss this workshop.

8/3       Alternative Financing: Micro Loans

   9:30 am to 11:00 am

             Presented by Accion Chicago 

Hear about alternative methods of financing your business from Chicago's largest microlender.  As a small business lender, Accion Chicago is dedicated to providing financing and business education to small businesses.  They offer loans of up to $20,000 for start-ups and $50,000 for established businesses. 

8/8       The Job Order Contracting (JOC) Informational Seminar

   3:00pm to 4:30pm

   Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

This workshop provides a summary of the City’s JOC Program, benefits of JOC for the prime contractor and subcontractors, how to bid a JOC as a prime contractor and subcontracting opportunities with JOC.  This session is ideal for construction and construction related business owners, small businesses, and minority and women owned businesses (M/WBEs).

8/10    How to Get certified with the State of Illinois as M\FBE and Small Business

  9:30 am to 11:00 am

  Presented by the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Business Enterprise Program (BEP)

In this workshop you will learn how to get certified with the State of Illinois and see how the BEP promotes the economic development of businesses owned by minorities, women and people with disabilities. The certification with the State of Illinois opens doors to opportunities with other public and private buyers who are seeking diverse suppliers, with no cost to process the application.  

(Questions can be answered in Spanish)

8/15    Business Licensing 101 

  3:00pm to 4:30pm

  Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Learn the basics of obtaining a business license in the City of Chicago.  We will discuss what our Business Assistance Center can do for you, the 3 simple steps to obtain a business license, and the resources that are available for you and your business.  We will also provide you with the latest information on recent changes to some business licenses. 

8/17    How to Obtain a Liquor License

  9:30am to 11:00am

            Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Are you interested in obtaining a liquor license in the City of Chicago to open a restaurant, tavern or package goods business?  Come and learn about the City's liquor licensing application requirements and the regulatory issues concerning operating a liquor business.

8/22    Smart Phone Marketing

   3:00pm to 4:30pm

             Presented by Guerzo Business Solutions

Your connection to customers and prospects has never been closer.  This class outlines smart phone marketing opportunities for small businesses. You will leave with a solid understanding of how to stand out (in a good way) from your competition using smart phone marketing techniques.

8/24    Introduction to Business Accounting

  9:30am to 11:30am

            Presented by Chris Amundson, President Accounting Solutions Ltd.

You will learn the different types of financial statements and how to use them to help your business along with how to keep records and protect yourself and your business in an audit.  It will also provide information on management tools to increase productivity and profitability, how to determine break even points, plan your cash flow, and how to choose an accountant that is right for your business. 

8/29    *How to Become Certified

               2:00 to 3:00pm

               Doing Business with the City of Chicago

               3:15 to 4:30pm

               Presented by the City of Chicago 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.

8/31    Online Marketing Basics - How to Make Online Marketing Work for Your Business

  9:30am to 11:00am

            Presented by Jesse Caballero, CEO Habanero Communication

Learn the basics of what online marketing is and how to use it successfully.  Learn what you can do to develop an effective website for your business and market your products and or services online. 

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