Small Business Expo
Thursday, March 27th
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Brenda Palms, President and CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network and Sweet Beginnings, LLC.
For 25 years, Brenda has led NLEN in the heart of the North Lawndale neighborhood, and Sweet Beginnings two social impact businesses beelove® and the beelove café. Through Sweet Beginnings model of providing transitional employment in beekeeping, honey production, packaging, and customer service, Palms has connected more than 800 job seekers with barriers to employment to good local jobs and a stepping stone to long term prosperity.
AGENDA
|
9:00 am-9:15 am |
Welcome Address |
|
9:15 am – 10:15 am |
Panel 1: Maximizing Government Resources For Your Business
This webinar is designed to help small business owners navigate the variety of support programs and resources available through local, state and federal government partners. During this informative panel, representatives from various government agencies will share insights on funding opportunities and business development programs. This webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from government experts, ask questions, and gain valuable knowledge on maximizing the full potential of available resources. |
|
10:20 am – 11:20 am |
Panel 2: Show Me the Money! Funds at the Local Level
This webinar is a must-attend event for small business owners looking to explore funding opportunities available within their local community. BACP Neighborhood Business Development Centers, who are designated as City-Wide Capital Specialists, will provide information about city-wide access to capital services to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Chicago. The webinar will cover strategies for accessing capital, including valuable insights on various funding options, including grants, low-interest loans, and microloans, that can help businesses grow and thrive. |
|
11:25 am-12:30 pm |
Keynote Address: Brenda M. Palms, LLC President & CEO, Sweet Beginnings, LLC |
BACP SMALL BUSINESS EXPO SERIES HELPS YOU:
- Gain industry expert insights.
- Be inspired and find answers.
- Learn actionable strategies.
- Get access to resources.
- Meet like-minded entrepreneurs.
- Expand professional network.
WHAT PAST EXPO ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY:
“I learned a lot, very enlightening, I enjoyed the workshops. So many resources I didn't have a clue about. Thank you for the invite.”
“The expo was my first and it was very informative to me, and I would love to attend another expo. Thanks!”
“I would love to attend another event in the future, this was very well organized and the representatives working did a fantastic job. Thank you. The location was also excellent.”
“This was my first time attending and was very motivated. The keynote speaker and the representative at the tables visited was full of wisdom and willing to provide great information.”
Thank you to our 2025 Expo Series Sponsors:
Thank you to our 2025 Expo Series Partners:
