CHICAGO – Today, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the last Chicago Small Business Expo of 2024 will take place on Saturday, October 5th from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College. The free expo will kick-off with a networking breakfast sponsored by the Office of City Treasurer, an exhibition hall offering resources from over 30 nonprofit and government agencies, workshops and a keynote address by Baron Waller. Mr. Waller will encourage business growth initiatives through his own entrepreneurship journey as demonstrated by his founding of 10 Culver's franchises. Additionally, a business workshop will be hosted for young aspiring entrepreneurs. To register and learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.

“Chicago’s small business owners and entrepreneurs are the heart of communities and the engines of our neighborhood commerce. Resources at the Chicago Small Business Expo provide all the tools necessary to empower success,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I am glad to see the Expo continue to foster valuable connections within our business community, with numerous opportunities to learn from esteemed industry leaders.”

“Our goal with the Chicago Small Business Expo is to foster a supportive environment where local entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and thrive,” said Ivan Capifali, BACP Acting Commissioner. “BACP believes in the power of small businesses to drive innovation and contribute to our community, and we’re excited to provide a platform that celebrates and supports their efforts.”

The keynote speaker will be Baron Waller, franchise owner of Culver’s. He is a self-motivated, community-focused, character-driven entrepreneur who has accomplished well beyond his expectations, environment and dreams. He is from the westside of Chicago and has operated Culver’s franchised restaurants in the Chicagoland area since 2011. In 2018 he opened the first Culver’s restaurant in the City of Chicago with the highest sales opening in Culver’s history in historic Bronzeville. Before his Culver’s ventures, Baron spent 14 years with both IBM and Crain Communications, respectively. 

“At the heart of every successful business is a vision fueled by passion and perseverance,” said Baron Waller, franchise owner of Culver’s. “I’m excited to share my journey and insights at the Chicago Small Business Expo, and I hope to inspire attendees to embrace their unique paths and drive their ventures forward with confidence.”

In partnership with City of Chicago Colleges and the Chicago Treasurer’s Office, the upcoming expo is sponsored by CIBC Bank, Western Union and Wintrust Bank.

 “Western Union supports the dreams and ambitions of entrepreneurs as a proud sponsor of the Chicago Small Business Expo,” said Mario Hernández, Director of Public Affairs at Western Union. “We stand with the small business community, including immigrant entrepreneurs, whose resilience and innovation enrich our neighborhoods.”

The Saturday, October 5th expo will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College, located at 1900 West Jackson Blvd. The schedule is as follows:

8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.: Registration and Expo Opens

Attendees can visit exhibitors, get expert advice and receive free professional headshots.

9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Welcome and Networking Breakfast

Attendees can participate in a breakfast networking session sponsored by the Chicago Treasurer’s Office.

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Exhibitor Hall Reopens

Attendees can visit exhibitors, get expert advice and receive free professional headshots.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Keynote Address

Baron Waller, Franchise Owner of Culver’s

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Business Education Workshop 1, Youth-focused Business Education Workshop and Exhibitor Hall Reopens

Attendees can visit exhibitors, get expert advice and receive free professional headshots. 

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Business Education Workshop 2, Business Education Workshop 3 and Exhibitor Hall Reopens

Attendees can visit exhibitors, get expert advice and receive free professional headshots.

To register and for more information, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. For inquiries call (312) 744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org. For information about BACP, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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