City of Chicago: Free Business Education Workshops

City of Chicago: Free Business Education Workshops.

The City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, (BACP) offers FREE business workshops every Wednesday and Friday at City Hall

Located at 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 unless indicated otherwise. You can register for a workshop by emailing BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org or by calling 312.744.2086. ALWAYS call first to confirm. Workshops subject ot change and cancellation.

5/23 Facebook and Instagram 101 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

In this session we will walk through an overview of the free tools Facebook and Instagram have to offer businesses. We will start with talking through the tools Facebook pages and Instagram business profiles offer to understand and reach your audiences. This session will end with Q&A.

5/25 7 Steps to 7 Figures 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 11th Floor, Room 1103

This class will empower dreamers to take control of YOU first and prioritize your life to accomplish your Big Dreams. You will discover the seven steps to achieve business success.

5/30 How to Really Start Your Business 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, what are the first steps you should take? This workshop will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream.

6/1 Personal Credit Health: The Beginning of Your Business Start-Up 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by: Alecia Boyd Financial Opportunity Center Manager at Central States SER in partnership with LISC Chicago

This workshop will discuss the important role that personal credit plays as it relates to your road to entrepreneurship. You will understand the differences between personal credit and business credit; covering all basic personal credit information such as the 3 major credit Bureaus, FICO and Vantage scores, including how to build and improve personal credit. After taking this workshop you will be equipped with the essential information needed to take the next steps in building or improving your overall personal credit health to finance a new business or expand existing operations.

6/6 City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

To operate a successful business in Chicago you need to know what it takes to maintain compliance. Officials from several City departments will provide insight on how to operate safely, stay compliant, help prepare for inspections and highlight the do’s and don’ts of operating a business.

6/8 How to Write a Business Plan – What you need to know! 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner at Rockin Enterprises, Inc.

Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It’s easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You’ll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.

6/13 C corp, S corp, LLC – Which Is Right For My Business? 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

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.

6/15 Attain and Retain Your Key Employees: A Look at the Transitional vs A Tax Saving Option 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by Ward Powell, The Ward Powell Group

In this workshop you will learn how bonuses for key employees will be understood from a different perspective and generate additional wealth while paying your help. We will discuss how the traditional means of compensation and benefits i.e. expenses on the balance sheet can become an asset.

6/20 Employee Classification & Compensation Concerns 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Presented by Charles Krugel, a Management Side Labor, Employment and Human Resource Attorney

This workshop will be a discussion of the legal and record keeping issues concerning the independent contractor & employee classifications, as well as hourly vs. salaried compensation & overtime.

6/22 Commercial Leasing and Zoning 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by Agostino S. Filippone Chokshi Filippone Law, LLC

After payroll, leasing is typically the second biggest cost for any business. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of risks associated with commercial leasing and how to best position themselves for success when dealing with landlords.

6/27 Investigación de Mercado 101 (Workshop will be presented in Spanish) 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Presented by Quiroga College and Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

En este taller exploraremos los principios de la investigación de mercado, una herramienta que nos permite conocer si nuestro producto, servicio o empresa satisface alguna necesidad en el mercado, información básica que nos ayudará a enfocar nuestra oferta de valor.

6/29 Introduction to E-mail Marketing 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St – 11^th Floor, Room 1103

Presented by Rhea Steele, Blue Ocean Logic

This session will discuss the concept of e-mail marketing and how to apply the concepts of e-mail marketing to grow the influence and reach of your business. We will analyze different applications of e-mail marketing and select a campaign strategy to increase your reach.