The Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Wednesday, 5/18 Webinar at 3:00 PM
How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports
Presented by the Chicago Department of Aviation - Concessions Department and Unison Retail Management
Are you interested in operating a restaurant or retail shop at O'Hare or Midway International Airport, but don't know where to begin? Come and learn about the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and how to operate a business at the airport. This workshop also provides an overview of the O'Hare, and Midway airport current Concessions programs; the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program; and the O'Hare 21 future expansion. Lastly, we will provide you with all the resources you will need to get started.
Thursday, 5/19 Webinar at 2:00 PM
Advancing Your Business with Collaboration
To honor and recognize Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) will host a free business education webinar featuring a conversation with Chicago-based business service organization leaders and small businesses owners sharing their AANHPI entrepreneurial experiences. Also, learn about business resources and programs provided by the City of Chicago. AANHPI Heritage Month is observed annually in May and celebrates the vital contributions, history, and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across our nation.
Friday, 5/20 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Accounting in Quickbooks
Presented by Trak Patel, ARCC Consulting
Learn how to keep your financial recordkeeping books using QuickBooks. We will identify the differences between QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop and list the important features and benefits.
Wednesday, 5/25 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Selling Your Ideas
Present by SCORE Chicago Mentor Steven Mayer
This webinar is for those aspiring entrepreneurs who may have good ideas for starting a business but haven’t yet given much thought to selling their products or services. Some may be uncomfortable with the sales role or think it is unimportant. In this presentation, you will learn why sales is important to the success of any enterprise -- even nonprofits. You will learn how to overcome negative stereotypes, how to engage in and even embrace the role, and become your own greatest advocate and champion. You will learn some of the fundamentals of sales, including insights acquired over the course of a 40-year career in B2B publishing. Join this webinar if you want to get over your fears and inhibitions and take responsibility for making your company a success.
Friday, 5/27 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Access Capital to Purchase or Make Permanent Improvements to Your Small Business
Presented by Kimberly Brisky, Managing Director of Communications & Engagement at SomerCor
The SBA 504 loan, Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant, and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant are targeted financing solutions for small businesses looking to make real estate purchases and/or permanent building improvements. This presentation will provide details on eligibility rules, benefits, application instructions, and client success stories on these impactful capital resources. SomerCor is an SBA certified small business lender and contracted by the city of Chicago to administer the SBIF and NOF programs.
Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.
Reminders and Resources:
Tips to Protect Chicago's Businesses
The City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for the potential for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest. You can view the proactive steps businesses can take to stay protected which include signing up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts, joining Chicago's Public Private Partnership Initiative, and staying alert.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers
Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations, often referred to as Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC), assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serve as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and provide neighborhood business development services. They have have a strong neighborhood network and coordinate efforts with local aldermen, the City, and other community partners. They can help start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Find your local NBDC by visiting chicago.gov/NBDC.
Business Education Resources:
To view upcoming webinars, visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
To view past webinars, visit www.YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP