City Sets Free Business Education Workshop Schedule for December

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 20, 2012

CONTACT:
David Staudacher
Information Coordinator
City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs
and Consumer Protection
(312) 744-5291

Attachment: December 2012 Business Education Workshop Calendar

Starting a small business can be difficult. To help guide entrepreneurs and answer questions, the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free Business Education Workshops every Wednesday and Friday at City Hall. In December, BACP hosts six business workshops presented by industry professionals.

Workshops from our partner organizations include “Tax Issues for the Small Business Owner,” “Trademark and Copyright Law Basics,” and “How to Unleash the Power of Your Website and Internet Marketing.”

City officials present “Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions Get Answers,” “How to Open a concession at O’Hare or Midway Airports,” and “Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal.”

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.

December 2012 Business Workshop Calendar

12/5     *Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions and Get Answers
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
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.

12/7     Tax Issues for the Small Business Owner
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Jane Zhao, Center for Economic Progress

This workshop will cover information you need to operate your business.  Learn about when you must file a tax a return and make estimated tax payments, what constitutes a taxable income, what business expenses you can deduct, and how good recordkeeping can help you save money.

12/12   Trademark & Copyright Law Basics
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Espinar & Associates, PC

What are intangible assets? What is in a name, phrase and/or logo that distinguishes your business from another? What rights do trademarks and copyrights cover? Come to this workshop to better understand the benefits of filing for trademark and copyright protection. Also learn to identify what kinds of trademarks can be protected and much more.

12/14   How to Open a Concession at O'Hare or Midway Airports
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Aviation

Have you ever wondered how you can operate a business or a concession at the Chicago airports? Come and learn about concessions opportunities and the process to open a business.

12/19   Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request For Proposal (RFP)
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

This workshop is designed to teach business owners how to respond to a City of Chicago Request For Proposal (RFP). Learn what evaluators look for in an RFP and how to avoid common mistakes. Discover helpful tips on how to navigate RFP specifications.

12/21   NO WORKSHOP DUE TO HOLIDAY

12/26   NO WORKSHOP DUE TO HOLIDAY

12/28   How to Unleash the Power of Your Website and Internet Marketing
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Web Trax Studio (Neal Yonover, Cassandra West, Estelle Carol)

Just having a website, Facebook page, blog or tweeting isn’t enough. If you aren’t communicating effectively with your clients and customers, you’re wasting your time and money. We will show you how to use the Internet – and all its social marketing outlets – to make clients and customers flock to your business. We will reveal the secrets of getting big-budget marketing results with little or no money. As an added bonus, you will also learn how to get impressive results with your traditional marketing, such as ads, brochures, flyers, billboards and more.

* Workshop offered once a month.

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