Whether you're looking to make new business connections or just want to exchange ideas with other small business owners, Coffee & Commerce is the perfect opportunity to enhance your professional network. Come sip, share and succeed at Coffee & Commerce, the third Wednesday of every month, at 8:30 a.m.

Grab your favorite morning brew and join in for the great company and conversation. This event is hosted in partnership with the Lincoln Park Chamber, Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber and Small Business Advocacy Council.

Register Here:

http://lakeviewroscoevillage.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/20779

Make new connections at this annual multi-chamber networking event!

Kick back and get to know professionals from the north, south and west sides of Chicago at this one-of-a-kind multi-chamber event.
Make new connections and catch up with trusted contacts while indulging in delicious appetizers and refreshing drinks throughout the night. 

Register Here:

http://www.lincolnparkchamber.com/event/networking-extravaganza-2024/

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series. The series of expos occur at different citywide locations and online.

The next Small Business Expo will be on Saturday, October 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. View on map.

VISIT THE BACP SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TO:

• Network with like-minded entrepreneurs.

• Gain industry expert insights.

• Expand professional network.

• Connect with government agencies.

• Be inspired and find answers.

• Get access to expert advice and free resources.

• Attend workshops and keynote address.

• Learn new actionable business strategies.

• Get professional headshots or fun selfies.

• And much more!

Register Here:

http://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/provdrs/business_support_tools/svcs/smallbusinessexpos.html

Tax Credits & Financial Opportunities for Small Businesses
Wednesday, September 25th | 12:00-1:00PM
Uptown Business Center, 4619 N Broadway

Learn about tax credits and other financial opportunities/incentives for small businesses at a roundtable presented by the Small Business Advocacy Council. This event will feature programs such as the tax credit for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and ways to access capital.

Register at http://partners.exploreuptown.org/events/details/tax-credits-financial-opportunities-for-small-businesses-3755?calendarMonth=2024-09-01

MEET CONTRACTORS
Come out and meet the contractor of the Red Line Extension Project! Be a part of this historic CTA project!

Date: September 25, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Olive-Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave Chicago, IL

Registration link: http://bit.ly/3Tx3wUn

RLE contractor Walsh-VINCI is seeking DBE-certified businesses that specialize in the following trades, materials and/or supplies:

• Aggregate Materials • Permeable Pavers • Asphalt Paving • Traffic Control • Pavement Markings • Fencing & Guardrail • Signage • Landscaping & Topsoil • Underground Drainage & Watermain Work • Diesel Fuel and Gasoline • Material Procurement • Masonry • Carpentry • Metal Panels • Roofing • Glazing • Translucent Panels • Drywall • Granite Flooring • Painting • Plumbing • HVAC • Management/General Conditions • Low voltage equipment supply & installation • Electrical ductbank installation (partial scope) Furnish and install traction power substation prefabricated structures and equipment • Furnish substation and passenger station materials (Cable, conduit, hardware, etc.) Furnish and install electrical scope for one passenger station (Switchgear, panels, lighting, etc.) • Furnish traction power contact rail, inclines, and rail anchors Quality control and quality program management services On-Site Field Engineering & Testing • Engineering CAD Work House Manufacturing Signal/Mast Manufacturing

Date & Time:

September 19th, 2024 02:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

In honor and recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Eleazar Delgado, Owner of Café Jumping Bean.

Café Jumping Bean has become a thriving business and vital anchor for residents in Chicago’s Pilsen’s neighborhood. This year, the café is celebrating 30 years of providing its customers with a healthy menu of fresh sandwiches, salads and specialty coffee drinks. Owner Eleazar Delgado maintains his commitment to offering his loyal customer base quality ingredients and good conversation. Additionally, the café provides a space for local artists to exhibit and works closely with local schools and community organizations, all to strengthen the community.

The candid conversation will cover the launch of the business, product development, workforce development, and community engagement. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eQ4poe1hRISL_JO1KUQeEA#/registration

Date & Time:

September 19th, 2024 10:00 AM in

Description:

Presented by The Chicago Department of Buildings

In September 2024, the Department of Buildings’ Express Permit Program will expand to cover permits for electrical-only work. In this session, we will provide a walkthrough of the new online application for electrical work and electrical monthly maintenance. This program is geared toward electrical contractors and expediters who have experience applying for electrical-only permits under the previous process.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_puT2nLlpTea9ECIMoLTqBw#/registration

Register Here: bit.ly/3zRCCzx

Date & Time:

September 18th, 2024 03:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

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.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qZSWSLygTiOijdaKkAnPQQ#/registration

Join us for lunch and structured B2B speed networking in Norwood Park! Expand your network at this multi-chamber event! Be sure to bring at least 50 business cards with you. Registration includes lunch, raffle prizes, and follow-up contact list. Highly encourage using public transportation.

• 11:00 to 11:15 - Open Networking

• 11:15 to 11:30 - Mini Introductions & Instructions

• 11:30 to 12:20 - Speed Networking

• 12:20 to 1 - Lunch, Announcements, Raffle Drawing & Open Networking

Register Here:

http://www.northsidenetworkinggroup.com/event_registration/119/northside-networking-late-summer-2024-b2b-networking-lunch

Whether you're looking to make new business connections or just want to exchange ideas with other small business owners, Coffee & Commerce is the perfect opportunity to enhance your professional network. Come sip, share and succeed at Coffee & Commerce, the third Wednesday of every month, at 8:30 a.m.

Grab your favorite morning brew and join in for the great company and conversation. This event is hosted in partnership with the Lincoln Park Chamber, Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber and Small Business Advocacy Council.

Register Here:

http://lakeviewroscoevillage.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/20778

Join the Lakeview Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square Ravenswood, and Logan Square Chambers of Commerce for So Long Summer Multi-Chamber Networking Night at Rockwell on the River (3057 N Rockwell) on September 17th at 5:30PM. 

Have a great evening on the Chicago River connecting with fellow business owners. 

Tickets include a light dinner and a drink of your choice provided by Soul & Smoke BBQ

Early bird pricing is available until August 29th!

Early Bird: $35

Tickets: $40

Register Here:

http://lakeviewroscoevillage.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/20922

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsor:

Date & Time:

September 17th, 2024 02:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presentado por Miguel Campos, director, Oficina de Normas Laborales

Se anima a empresarios y trabajadores a unirse a este seminario web para aprender más sobre la Ordenanza de la Semana Laboral Justa de Chicago, los temas incluirán las industrias cubiertas, las elegibilidades de los empleados, los acuerdos mutuos y el pago de previsibilidad. Además, habrá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas al final.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g5TBkNxbRy2eXK7lTVsoEw#/registration

Date & Time:

September 17th, 2024 10:00 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by Adam Weller, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Labor Standards

Employers and workers are encouraged to join this webinar to learn more about Chicago’s Fair Workweek Ordinance, topics will include covered industries, employee eligibilities, mutual agreements and predictability pay. In addition, there will a Q&A session at the end.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_caQs56eGSLqc2a8bY-NuLQ#/registration

Date & Time:

September 13th, 2024 09:30 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner of Rockin Enterprises, Inc.

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.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c1fm2dEOSPWUxvj45ZI1Cw#/registration

Date & Time:

September 11th, 2024 03:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by Score Chicago

This webinar explains the roles and relationships between various business processes by walking through a sequence of steps to design and build an integrated operations model. A case study will be used to present a comprehensive, holistic management view that aligns people, processes, technology, and competency to help an organization compete in the marketplace.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yMtcUfbsRSmCHWDZQC4e6A#/registration

Join the Trans Accountability Project for our Pride Month Training!

Chicago Therapy Collective, Howard Brown Health, and Taskforce have partnered via the Trans Accountability Project (TAP) to create this 90 minute training, which focuses on 6 best practices that can help your workplace become more welcoming and inclusive of Black and Latina Women of Trans Experience. Attendees will leave the training with clear, action items as well as better understanding of the experiences of Black and Latina Women of Trans Experience in the workplace.

September 10, 2023

3:30pm-5pm

Gerber/Hart Library & Archives

6500 N Clark St. 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60626

This Training is free & open to all business owners, managers, and HR.

Refreshments will be served.

Registration is required here:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-black-and-latina-women-of-trans-experience-in-the-workplace-tickets-989255288197?aff=oddtdtcreator

Date & Time:

September 6th, 2024 09:30 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by Erika Q. Gonzalez, Director of Program Management at 36Squared Business Incubator

In this webinar, we will discuss resources and available assistance for entrepreneurs wishing to start or grow their business in Chicago. Topics will include Writing a Business Plan, Export Assistance, Finding Funding, Free local assistance, Micro Lending and Grants and incentives.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d-e7DWQ3TRa-9izeljrSUw#/registration

Date & Time:

September 5th, 2024 10:00 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Cook County Small Business Source, and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office where we will cover the specifics of the state law, provide an overview of how Illinois Secure Choice works, and discuss how easy it is for businesses to facilitate retirement savings for their employees. Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM CT

**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**

**此网络研讨会有中英双语放送选项**

Register Here:

http://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Cdy5qKYUSKKE1kp_aY9Z1Q#/registration

Date & Time:

September 4th, 2024 03:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by the City of Chicago

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fOHlqCYaSeG1P1IGdwpbwA#/registration

Date & Time:

September 3rd, 2024 02:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by Richard Ruff, Supervisor of Labor Standards, Office of Labor Standards

The Chicago City Council passed the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance (the “Ordinance”). The Ordinance guarantees up to five days of paid time off and five days of paid sick leave for many of Chicago’s workers and went into effect on Monday July 1, 2024. Employers and workers are encouraged to join this webinar to learn about and review all of the educational material that was developed by BACP in support of the Ordinance. The material includes FAQ documents, Rules and Regulations, Employer Checklists, a Cross Jurisdictional Comparison Chart, Model Employer Policies, and a detailed Fact Sheet. In addition, there will be a Q&A session at the end.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E58PhOeeRU-ngryLm2nHLQ#/registration

Date & Time:

August 30th, 2024 09:30 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by: Edwin Romero (Chicago SEO Consultant)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or the process of improving search engine visibility, is a marketing channel that is often either overlooked or misunderstood by small business owners. In this webinar, we will review the significance of SEO for Chicago small business owners, how SEO can serve as a long term, cost efficient marketing channel and what fundamental best practices should be kept in mind when optimizing for SEO.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7CDAaMhrTn6U4XDaia77ZA#/registration

Join the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce for our annual Commercial Brokers Tour. We invite commercial real estate brokers, developers, and expanding small businesses to join the tour around Lakeview. The tour will include a light breakfast, presentation from the Chamber, and we will visit several available properties. 

Breakfast is sponsored by Gold Coast Bank

Please note this event is only for brokers, developers, and expanding small businesses.

Tour Starts at Chicago's Pizza Lakeview (3114 N Lincoln Ave) and will be around Lakeview. 

Register Here

Date & Time:

August 28th, 2024 03:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

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

Change is a constant when you are running a business. This webinar will cover how to manage your business license account once you receive your City of Chicago business license. Topics will include how to use Chicago Business Direct to update your business license information and renew your license easily online.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rwqSB09wQVOnTR4KfblXEQ#/registration

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series. The series of expos occur at different citywide locations and online.

The next Small Business Expo will be on Saturday, August 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. View on map.

VISIT THE BACP SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TO:

• Network with like-minded entrepreneurs.

• Gain industry expert insights.

• Expand professional network.

• Connect with government agencies.

• Be inspired and find answers.

• Get access to expert advice and free resources.

• Attend workshops and keynote address.

• Learn new actionable business strategies.

• Get professional headshots or fun selfies.

• And much more!

Register Here:

http://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/gp8vtj9

Date & Time:

August 23, 2024 09:30 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chicago member Sue Harrawood, Founder and President of Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance

The Virtual Assistance industry has been around since the mid-90s however it didn’t come on the business scene in force until the early 2000s. Virtual Assistants or VAs for short are professional business owners who specialize in one or more specialties. Business owner first, support pros second. Executive Virtual Assistants, Social Media Managers, Copywriters, Virtual Platform Managers, Website Managers and Designers, oh my! There are countless specialists who are a tremendous blessing for business owners. Sue Harrawood is a Chicagoland native and a veteran of the Virtual Assistance industry. After opening her doors 21 years ago, she’s had the honor to serve, teach and consult with business owners around the world. Join us and you’ll learn how to successfully partner with these behind the scenes gems who can get you out from underneath the minutiae pile so you can function as the CEO of your business.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T8UWglD9Tlq2bM8YQNgjDQ#/registration

Date & Time:

August 21, 2024 03:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

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 a non-profit lender, certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and contracted by the City of Chicago to administer the SBIF and NOF programs.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XsZtfeF-TxiCs5SWOWM8MA#/registration

Whether you're looking to make new business connections or just want to exchange ideas with other small business owners, Coffee & Commerce is the perfect opportunity to enhance your professional network. Come sip, share and succeed at Coffee & Commerce, the third Wednesday of every month, at 8:30 a.m.

Grab your favorite morning brew and join in for the great company and conversation. This event is hosted in partnership with the Lincoln Park Chamber, Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber and Small Business Advocacy Council.

Register Here:

http://members.52greenhome.com/events/details/coffee-commerce-08-21-2024-20777

Business Workshop: New Arrivals + Street Peddling

The City of Chicago’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights chaired by Alderperson Andre Vasquez (40th Ward), in partnership with the Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force, Illinois Venezuelan Alliance, Sociedad Civica Ecuatoriana, Consulate of Ecuador, and City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, will be hosting a workshop for businesses that introduces human trafficking, domestic violence and cultural competency around newly arriving asylum-seekers. Businesses with storefronts and special events organizers across the city have lifted up the tension that has arisen when some of our new neighbors, predominantly arriving from Central and South American countries in the past months, have been selling candies or other items on the streets and inside storefronts or at farmers markets without explicit permission.

In the past year, the Committee has been involved in making sure that new arrivals understand their rights and responsibilities and cultural context of living in Chicago. We want to share some of this with our businesses! Our goal with this workshop is to provide context on who our new neighbors are and what socio-economic context they find themselves in that leads them to street peddling, as well as how to respond compassionately but firmly when you have uncomfortable encounters.

The first training will be on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 10am-12pm at Swedish Hospital-Auditorium located at 2751 W Winona St Chicago IL 60625. If you are interested in attending the event or any future event with this focus, please fill out the below form.

Register Here:

http://airtable.com/apptcXPABExyfK1gs/shrT6JzgSpijEA91T

Date & Time:

August 16th, 2024 09:30 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Description:

Presented by Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and CIBC Bank USA

Whether you are a business owner or thinking about starting one; this webinar will teach the basics about bank financing. You will receive information about loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, you will learn about the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program as a resource that makes you eligible to apply for CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan.

Register Here:

http://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g-pq_1oxRGivJDteyekE2w#/registration