City Officials Slated to Present Six Free Business Education Workshops at City Hall

For Immediate Release

The City of Chicago has eight insightful business workshops planned for September, including "How to Find and Finance a Franchise" on Sept. 6. The workshops are offered by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) every Wednesday and Friday in Room 805, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago.

The City is presenting six of the eight workshops, which include “Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions, Get Answers,” “Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP),” “Building Your Dream: A Primer on Starting and Maintaining a Home Repair Business,” “How to Open a Concession at O’Hare or Midway Airports,” “How to Become Certified/ Doing Business With the City of Chicago” and “How to Obtain a Liquor and Public Place of Amusement (PPA) License.”

Additionally, the City will be joined by John McLellan, of FranNet, on “How to Find and Finance a Franchise” and Shelby Parchman, of Illinois SBDC/Duman Entrepreneurship Center at JVS, for “How to Write a Business Plan.”

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 and experts in the industry. Workshops are located at the BACP City Hall Office, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805.

September 2013 Business Workshop Calendar

9/4       *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 four inspectors from 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!

9/6       How to Find and Finance a Franchise
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by John McLellan, of FranNet, Chicago

John McLellan is one of Chicago’s most experienced franchise professionals and is president of FranNet, Chicago. This informative seminar will explore the many franchise opportunities that are available in the Chicago market and explain the process by which you can determine which franchise meets your personal lifestyle and financial goals. This seminar also will explore the different financial options that are available for financing a franchise.

9/11    Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

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

9/13    Building Your Dream: A Primer on Starting and Maintaining a Home Repair Business
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented By the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) & Fuksa Khorshid, LLC

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, in conjunction with the attorneys at Fuksa Khorshid, LLC, will be offering a comprehensive presentation on the ins and outs of starting and running a home repair business in the city of Chicago. The presentation will cover numerous aspects of this process, from how to form a limited liability entity and get operations underway, to the legal niceties of the home repair business in the area. Participants will receive tips on business management, how to deal with customer complaints, work delays, and customers who don’t pay. They also will receive responsible guidance about obtaining business licenses, project permits, dealing with inspectors, the duties of a home repair provider, including relevant statutes and ordinances addressing the home repair and remodeling business.    

9/18    How to Write a Business Plan
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Shelby Parchman, Senior Business Analyst Illinois SBDC/Duman Entrepreneurship Center at JVS         

Attend this seminar to receive insight, advice, and guidance to prepare a business plan. You will save money and avoid countless mistakes by learning to plan from the ground up and write about your business. According to Ben Franklin, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."  Let us help you prepare not to fail. 

9/20    How to Open a Concession at O’Hare or Midway Airports
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by the Chicago Department of Aviation – Concessions Department

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

9/25    *How to Become Certified
2:00 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.

9/27    How to Obtain a Liquor and Public Place of Amusement (PPA) License
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)

Are you interested in providing entertainment or serving liquor in your restaurant, bar or theater? Come and learn about the City’s licensing requirements and policies when it comes to liquor licensing, live entertainment, having a DJ, or charging admission at the door.