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.

7/4 NO WORKSHOP DUE TO HOLIDAY

7/6 Media Training for Small Business 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 11th Floor, Room 1103

How to look good, sound smart and get the coverage you want for your small business.

Lilia Chacon is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years in the news business, and now a strong presence in PR and communications. Learn how to take advantage of the news cycle to get covered and quoted and build your audience and credibility.

7/11 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.

7/13 UPDATE: Chicago’s Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

On July 1, 2018, the next scheduled increase of the Chicago minimum wage will go into effect for tipped and non-tipped employees. Find out how your business can comply with the ordinance and how to contact BACP for assistance. Representatives from ARISE Chicago, the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, and Women Employed will join with BACP and the City’s Law Department to discuss the rationale behind and impact of Chicago’s Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.

7/18 Doing Business With the US DOT and Transportation Agencies 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Come and learn how you can position your business to obtain upcoming transportation procurement opportunities like the CTA’s $2.1B first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization Program, the Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $12 billion construction program and O’Hare International Airport’s $8.5 billion expansion project. We will discuss free resources to help you with obtaining bonding, SBA loans and creative financing options to accelerate the growth of your business.

7/20 How to Make ’em Fall in Love – Increase Profits With Service That Keeps Your Customers Coming Back For More! 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 11th Floor, Room 1103

Putting in time and effort to find new customers is far more expensive than keeping your current customers happy. In this workshop, you will identify what makes your service unique. Then, we’ll give you the tools you need to design an effective process that cuts cost, reduces wasted time, and brings both you and your customers joy.

7/25 Rock Your Profile 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Attend this workshop and discuss the ins, outs, tips, and tricks of creating a stellar LinkedIn profile. During this workshop, we will discuss the major profile components, best practices for creating a stellar page, and some behind the scenes advice on navigating the platform. Please come prepared with your profile already created and any questions you have on the platform!

7/27 Introducing the SBA: Programs & Services For Your Business 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.11th Floor, Room 1103

Every business starts with a dream. Turning this dream into a reality requires confidence, grit, knowledge, and funding. Wherever you are in growing your business, the SBA has your back. Attend this workshop and learn about the programs, services and partners to help you start and grow your business.