CHICAGO – Today, the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the BACP Remote Small Business Expo will be held on Thursday, June 22nd from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The remote expo provides current business owners and future entrepreneurs valuable insights into various aspects of starting and running a business, including business licensing, marketing strategies, financial management, and customer engagement. The interactive webinars will allow attendees to ask questions specific to their own entrepreneurial journey. The keynote address will feature Chef Ambrocio Gonzalez of La Catederal Cafe & Restaurant in Little Village. To register for the free BACP Remote Small Business Expo, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.

"Chicago's small businesses are integral components of our communities, and I'm committed to supporting them in any way I can throughout my administration," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Thank you to the team at BACP for their great work in providing educational programming for our budding local entrepreneurs."

“The BACP Remote Small Business Expo expands on relevant topics that impact small business in Chicago,” said Kenneth J. Meyer, BACP Commissioner. “The remote expo is a valuable platform for inspiration, learning and growth. It enables attendees to gain information to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.”

The keynote speaker Chef Ambrocio Gonzalez of La CatedralCafe & Restaurant hails from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, began his culinary journey at a young age. At 16, he moved to Chicago and ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2011, Chef Gonzalez and his business partner opened La Catederal Café & Restaurant in Little Village and soon a stream of successful restaurants followed. A graduate of the renowned French culinary institution, Le Gordon Blue, Chef Gonzalez has had recipes featured in prominent magazines and published his own book, “Con Sabor a Guadalajara.” His journey exemplifies resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to the culinary arts.

“As an immigrant and a business owner, I want to share my journey to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams,” said Chef Ambrocio Gonzalez. “My business endeavors are enriched by my culture and experiences, and I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to the expo’s keynote address.”

The upcoming expo is sponsored by Western Union in partnership with City of Chicago Colleges and the Chicago Treasurer’s Office.

“Western Union is a proud sponsor of the expo and believes diverse backgrounds help spur a strong, vibrant business community,” said Mario Hernández, Director of Public Affairs, Western Union. “The expo empowers all attendees, including immigrant entrepreneurs, through knowledge and access to business resources.”

The Thursday, June 22nd remote expo will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The schedule is as follows:

Welcome Address: 9:00 a.m.

Webinars:

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Launching a Business in the City of Chicago
Presented by City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP).

10:05 am – 10:50 am Paths to Finance Your Business
Presented by Allies for Community Business, U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) and SomerCor.

10:50 a.m.-11:35 a.m.
Digital Marketing for your Business
Presented by The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

Keynote Address: 11:40 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Chef Ambrocio Gonzalez of La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant in Little Village.

To register for the free BACP Remote Small Business Expo, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. For more information call (312) 744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org.

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