Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareño today announced the latest Small Business Center “On the Road” Expo of 2018. The fourth Expo of the year is taking place today from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at Truman College and features key note speaker Josh Deth, Founder and “Chairman of the Party” of Revolution Brewing. The annual events are part of the City’s effort to support neighborhood businesses and economic development.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Chicago’s economy, and we must support them by bringing resources and services they need to be successful,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The Expo series, along with small business reforms that cut red tape and foster innovation, is part of our promise to grow economic opportunities in every corner of the City.”

“The ‘On the Road’ series is part of Mayor Emanuel’s commitment to supporting Chicago’s neighborhood businesses by making the best of our small business resources easily accessible to entrepreneurs,” BACP Commissioner Escareño said. “This expo will have something for all kinds of businesses. We encourage anyone who wants to launch or grow a small to swing by and see all that we have to offer.”

The Expo is part of Mayor Emanuel’s reform efforts to support small business and create economic opportunity in every neighborhood in Chicago. Earlier this year, Mayor Emanuel announced a package of new reforms to reduce costs for businesses, simplify the licensing process, increase transparency, support start-up and innovative businesses, and reduce the burden of inspections for all businesses. The reform plan is designed to build on the Emanuel administration’s efforts over the past seven years to cut red tape, increase support resources for businesses, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in every part of the city. The plan will address some of the biggest issues for small businesses, including reducing the start-up licensing fee by half, creating a new permit for pop-up businesses, creating a business license issuance clock, extending the sidewalk cafe license to apply year-round, and creating a standardized checklist for business inspections.

The Small Business Center “On the Road” Expo series provides free, expert advice to all entrepreneurs on topics such as licensing, financing and business planning. During the event, business owners and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to consult, network and gather information from more than 40 government and non-profit agencies including the Chicago Department of Procurement Services, and the Illinois Secretary of State.

Revolution Brewing is Illinois’ largest independently-owned brewery and was launched by Josh Deth in February of 2010 in a vintage building on Milwaukee Avenue. Since then the brewery has continued to increase its brewing capacity and product line. "I am a big believer in making a good plan for your new business at the beginning and then following through,” said Deth, “Many people will put up hurdles in front of you, but persistence and good organization will help you leap over most of them and achieve success."   In addition, business consultants from the Small Business Center will help attendees apply for, or renew, a business license, the Center for Economic Progress will provide a free tax clinic and The Community Law Project will provide a free legal clinic with representatives offering 20-minute consultations.

The Expo also offers free mini-makeovers by Tricoci University of Beauty Culture technicians, professional head shots, a tax and legal clinic, and consumer and financial help. There will be two free workshops following the keynote speech to help entrepreneurs learn new business skills. The complete schedule is below.

Vendor Fair: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Participants can visit with vendors, get expert advice, and receive a mini-makeover and free headshots.

Keynote Speaker: 11:00 AM – 12:00PM

Josh Deth, Chairman Revolution Brewing

Workshops: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Workshop 1: Roadmap to Business Financing

Presented by Fifth Third Bank & ACCION Chicago

In order for businesses to start or grow, financing is often needed. Attend this workshop and you will obtain the pathway to financial success including traditional and non-traditional credit sources and how to best prepare for when your company needs capital most.

Workshop 2: C-corp, S-corp, LLC - Which Is Right For My Business?

Presented by the Community Law Project

The Community Law Project’s Small Business Program offers legal support to entrepreneurs who are starting or have their own small businesses as a strategy to create financial independence. Since most entrepreneurs operate on a shoestring budget, obtaining legal advice is often unaffordable. This workshop will provide entrepreneurs with information about choosing the correct corporate structure for their business.

Networking: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Attendees can participate in a one-hour networking session on building and growing a business, hosted by City Treasurer Kurt Summers.

The Small Business Center “On the Road” Expo is a series of five free expos in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The series is a partnership between the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), Fifth Third Bank, and Western Union.

To register for an expo or for more information, visit www.chismallbizexpo.com, call (312) 744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org. For more information about the City of Chicago’s Small Business Center visit: www.cityofchicago.org/sbc 

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