June 2013 Business Education Workshops

For Immediate Release

June 2013 Business Workshop Calendar 

The City of Chicago has eight exciting Business Education Workshops planned throughout June. The workshops, offered by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) are free to the public every Wednesday and Friday in Room 805, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. 

Headlining this month’s lineup are “How to Open a Concession at O’Hare or Midway Airports” and “How to Obtain a Mobile Food Dispenser/ Preparer License.” In addition to several city departments presenting workshops for June, “Get Connected: Online Tools for Your Business” (Melinda Kelly of Chatham Business Association) and “Quickbooks 101” (Clarence Sistrunk of JVS Chicago), will also present.

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.

June 2013 Business Workshop Calendar

6/5 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!

6/7 Get Connected: Online Tools for Your Business

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Presented by Melinda Kelly, 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.

6/12 Business Licensing 101

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

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 Small Business 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.  Let us help you get your business started!

6/14 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.

6/19 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. 

6/21 Quickbooks 101  

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Presented by Clarence Sistrunk, JVS Chicago

QuickBooks has become the industry standard for businesses of all sizes to track their income, expenses, and banking. Find out if QuickBooks is a good tool for your business as you create and grow your business. You'll learn about the convenient tools QuickBooks offers to set up a chart of accounts; reconcile your checking account; create and print invoices, receipts, and statements; track your payables, inventory, and receivables; create estimates; and generate reports.  Whether you're new to QuickBooks or have already used earlier versions of this accounting software program, this class will empower you to take control of financial accounting for your business.

6/26 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.

6/28 How to Obtain a Mobile Food Dispenser/Preparer License

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

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

Are you interested in operating a food truck in the City of Chicago?  Then come and learn about how you may obtain a Mobile Food Dispenser (MFD) or Mobile Food Preparer (MFP) business license.  We will be discussing the MFD/MFP licensing process including inspections, the application, mobile food vehicle, and operational requirements, as well as the optional pre-application Mobile Food Vehicle Assessment.