City of Chicago Inspectors Available to Answer Questions at June Workshop
Partner Agencies Set to Present Workshops on Writing a Business Plan, Marketing, and Financing
May 29, 2015
The City of Chicago is kicking off its June workshops with “City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers” on June 3 at City Hall. The free workshop offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about inspections from City officials from the departments of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), Buildings, and Public Health. Attendees can talk to the officials and gain insight on zoning, how to operate a business safely, business compliance, and preparing for inspections.
“We want to arm small business owners with the information they need to succeed and grow,” said Commissioner Maria Guerra Lapacek, of BACP. “The opportunity to talk to the person who may inspect your business is priceless.”
The City of Chicago also will present and “How to Obtain a Shared Kitchen Operator or User License” by a business consultant from Business Affairs & Consumer Protection.
Partner agency workshops include “Experiential Marketing: How Apply it to Your Business” presented by Go2Girls, “How to Write a Business Plan” presented by Donna R. Rockin, of the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT, “What You Need to Know About Business Insurance” presented by Sandra Cavoto, of Farmers Insurance, “Financing Your New Business” presented by Denise Ching, Director, Illinois SBDC at UIC “What is the 8(a) Business Development Program?” presented by The Small Business Administration (SBA), and “Establishing Your Brand and Growing Your Business: Marketing and PR” presented by Michelle Mekky, Alpaytac and Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid LLC.
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.
June Workshops
6/3 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!
6/5 Experiential Marketing: How Apply It To Your Business
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Go2Girls
This workshop is designed to teach business owners how experiential marketing lets brands show people not just what they are-but who they are. Find out how to create a deeper connection with your consumer that leads to bigger profits and better relationships.
6/10 How to Write a Business Plan
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Executive Director, 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.
6/12 What You Need To Know About Business Insurance
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Sandra Cavoto, Farmers Insurance
Starting a new business can be difficult, and being covered by insurance when the unexpected happens is essential to being successful. There is enough to worry about with running a business, and it is the insurance company’s responsibility to worry about your liability, losses, worker’s compensation, and more. This workshop is designed to show you the in’s and out’s of commercial insurance, and everything included to help you understand what you need for your specific business.
6/17 How to Obtain a Shared Kitchen Operator or User License
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Are you interested in operating or using a licensed commercial kitchen in the City of Chicago? Then come and learn how you may obtain the Shared Kitchen Operator, Supplemental or User business license. We will be discussing the licensing process including the application requirements, Health inspections, and operational duties. Register now if you are interested in the licenses for businesses that service the commissary needs of the emerging mobile food industry in Chicago.
6/19 Financing Your New Business
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Denise Ching, Director, Illinois SBDC at UIC
This workshop will provide you with an in depth look at some of the many ways to find funding for your business and how to access them. Almost all funding options start with a well-developed plan of the amount of capital needed and we will provide insight into this process. Learn how to best prepare yourself for funding your business.
6/24 What is the 8(a) Business Development Program?
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by The Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program helps certified socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses develop and grow their businesses through one-on-one counseling, and with management and technical assistance. The program also provides access to government contracting opportunities, allowing small businesses to better compete in the federal contracting marketplace.
6/26 Establishing Your Brand and Growing Your Business: Marketing and PR
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Michelle Mekky, Alpaytac and Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid LLC
The last workshop will teach you how to develop a marketing plan and devise the best strategies to promote your restaurant. We will discuss the importance of creating a strong brand image and reinforcing it through menus, signage, interior décor, and customer service. We will also look at ways to use social media, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to promote menu items and establish brand ambassadors. Finally, we will explore traditional marketing tactics like advertising and public relations.
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