CITY OF CHICAGO HOSTING ‘SMART GRID’ WORKSHOP FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND RESIDENTS
November’s Free Business Workshops Include Sustainable Architecture for Food Businesses, B2B Marketing, How to Write a Business Plan and Much More
October 28, 2014
Information Coordinator
Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
(312) 744-5291
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) is hosting a special workshop for businesses and residents called “Smart Grid 101: How to Take Advantage of Savings with Your Smart Meter” presented by Smart Grid Program at the City and ComEd.
The Smart Grid workshop will cover the basics of what smart grid means for the residents and businesses of Chicago – who will all receive smart meters by 2017. The City of Chicago’s Sustainability team will explain how smart grid and Retrofit Chicago promote sustainability through energy and financial savings. ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business® will be there to share tips on creating a more energy-efficient business with an improved bottom line.
“We provide a variety of unique workshops every month,” said Commissioner Maria Guerra Lapacek, of BACP. “We add new workshops often, and aim to help the City’s established businesses and startups.”
City of Chicago officials also are scheduled to present the workshops “City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers,” and “How to Become Certified/Doing Business with the City of Chicago.”
Additionally, Moss Studios will present “Merging Food and Architecture: Navigating Permitting and Design;” Donna R. Rockin, of Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT, will present “How to Write a Business Plan: What You Need to Know!;” the Digital Professional Institute at Tribeca Flashpoint” will present “B2B in the Digital World,” and the Central Lakeview Merchants Association will present “Benefits of Chamber Membership for Your Business.”
The Small Business Center at the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts free business workshops every Wednesday and Friday in Room 805 at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. Workshops are conducted by city officials, BACP’s partner organizations, and experts in the industry. To register for a workshop or for more information, call (312) 744-2086 or email [email protected]. Learn more about BACP programs and events by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/SBC.
November 2014 Business Education Workshops
11/5 City Inspections – 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. Talk to officials 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!
11/7 Smart Grid 101: How to Take Advantage of Savings with Your Smart Meter
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Smart Grid Program at the City and ComEd
The Smart Grid 101 workshop will cover the basics of what smart grid means for the residents and businesses of Chicago – who will all receive smart meters by 2017. The City’s Sustainability team will explain how smart grid and Retrofit Chicago promote sustainability through energy and financial savings. ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business® will be there to share tips on creating a more energy-efficient business with an improved bottom line.
11/12 Merging Food and Architecture: How to Navigating Permitting and Design
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Matt Nardella of Moss Design
The discussion will focus on the process of moving or expanding an existing or new food business. We will walk through the process from site assessment and code issues, to construction and building occupancy. In addition, we’ll use project case studies to explain the important components of restaurant, cafe, and food production design and the implementation of sustainable architecture.
11/14 How to Write a Business Plan: What You Need to Know!
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT
Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It’s easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You’ll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.
11/19 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 an overview of the five certification programs currently offered by the City of Chicago: Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Business Enterprises Owned and/or Operated by Persons with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). Receive information regarding the application process and how to avoid the most common mistakes applicants encounter when submitting their applications.
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.
11/21 B2B in the Digital World
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Digital Professional Institute at Tribeca Flashpoint
Business to Business marketing isn’t the same as traditional consumer marketing, and that applies just as much in the digital realm! Join the Digital Professional Institute as they present a look into new ways to use technology and digital marketing to reach out to business customers, along with how top companies are using Digital Marketing to expand their reach and find new clients.
11/26 Benefits of Chamber Membership for Your Business
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Central Lakeview Merchants Associations
There are many advantages of joining your local Chamber of Commerce. Attend this workshop and learn what the benefits are for your business including exposure for your business, social media marketing, networking and referrals, and cluster marketing.
11/28 No Workshop Due to Thanksgiving Holiday
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