Feb. 23, 2012

The City of Chicago is slated to host several workshops during February at the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection’s Business Education Workshops. The workshops are held every Wednesday and Friday at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. 

City departments will present “Talk to City Inspectors, Ask Questions, Get Answers,” “How to Obtain a Sidewalk Cafe Permit,” “Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP),” “How to Obtain an Immigration Assistance Business License,” “Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Grants in Chicago,” and “How to Become Certified/How to Become Certified.”

Apart from City of Chicago departments, Michael Johnson, President of NewMediaThree.Com, is presenting “Your Business Website for Smartphone Users: Optimize It or Create a Business App?,” and Donna Rockin, Director of Illinois SBDC/Duman Entrepreneurship Center at JVS Chicago, is presenting “How to Write a Business Plan, Your Roadmap to Success.”

To register for a workshop or for more information, email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or call 312.744.2086. Workshops are conducted by city officials, BACP’s partner organizations, and experts in the industry. Workshops are located at the BACP City Hall Office, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805. Learn more about BACP programs and events by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/bacp.

February 2013 Business Workshop Calendar

2/1         Your Business Website for Smartphone Users: Optimize It or Create a Business App?

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Michael Johnson, President of NewMediaThree.Com

A majority of business websites look completely different on Smartphones compared to desktop computers – why is this? Learn how to optimize your website for Smartphone users and answer the biggest question, do we need an App? The answer might surprise you! 

2/6          *Talk to City Inspectors, 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. At this workshop you can talk to inspectors from four City departments who will point out the do’s and don’ts of operating your business, and provide insight on how to operate safely, stay compliant, and prepare for inspections. Don’t miss this workshop!

2/8          How to Obtain a Sidewalk Cafe Permit

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Take the mystery out of the Sidewalk Cafe Permit Application process by attending this informative workshop. We will explain the application process, inform you of all the requirements, and help you get prepared to submit an application. The entire application process may take 30 - 45 days, and the 2013 Sidewalk Cafe Season begins on March 1, so make sure to reserve your seat now.

2/13        Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP)

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by The City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

This workshop is designed to teach business owners how to respond to a City of Chicago RFP. Learn what evaluators look for in a RFP and how to avoid common mistakes.   Learn helpful tips on how to navigate RFP specifications. 

2/15        How to Write a Business Plan, Your Roadmap to Success

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Donna Rockin, Director of Illinois SBDC/Duman Entrepreneurship Center at JVS Chicago

Want to launch or grow your business?  Attend this seminar to receive insight, advice and guidance to prepare a business plan. You will save money and avoid countless mistakes by learning to plan from the ground up and write about your business. According to Ben Franklin, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Let us help you prepare!

2/20        How to Obtain an Immigration Assistance Business License

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

Learn the basics of obtaining a Regulated Business License — Immigration Assistance in the City of Chicago. We will discuss the scope and requirements of the license, the business license application process, as well as the responsibilities of the licensee.

2/22        Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Grants in Chicago

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Joseph Lewis - SBIF Assistant Director, SomerCor 504, Inc. and Jacob Stern - SBIF Associate, SomerCor 504, Inc.

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is an economic development grant program for permanent building improvements in select TIF districts around Chicago. Learn about how you might utilize SBIF rebate grants to repair or remodel your commercial or industrial property! 

2/27        *How to Become Certified

1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

This workshop will provide information on which businesses are qualified to become certified as a Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise. Learn what documents are required, where to go for help, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

               Doing Business with the City of Chicago
            
3:15 to 4:30 p.m. 

This information is designed to outline the role and responsibility of the Department of Procurement Services, and how the City's purchasing process works. This workshop is ideal for companies looking to do business with the City of Chicago.