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 to change and cancellation.  I have attended several of these workshops and they are all excellent.  I would advise arriving early because the workshops fill up.

5/29 Accounting Best Practices 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

At the end of this training, participants should have a better understanding of the importance of accurate financials, requirements, and best industry practices including obtaining financing. The main topics will be as follows: Role of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accounting System Basics, Financial Statement Overview, Budgeting/Financial Projections, Securing Banking/Bonding/Proper Insurance and Understanding What it Takes to be Successful.

5/31 Intro to Marketing 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.– 11th Floor, Room 1103

Do you want to better market your business, but don’t know where to begin? Come to this workshop to create your marketing strategy, and learn tips and techniques on how to best use digital marketing tools (your website and social media) to further your brand. We will share free marketing resources and will end the class with an “ask the expert” panel from local marketing experts.

6/5 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.

6/7 Is Your Business In Compliance With The City’s Wage And Sick Leave Ordinance? 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Did you know that the minimum wage in Chicago will increase to $13 per hour on July 1, 2019? Learn which employers and workers are affected by the Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, how employers can calculate sick leave, and what is required to abide by the ordinance.

6/12 Overview of Workplace Harassment & Discrimination  3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

A round-table discussion with labor and employment lawyer, Charles Krugel, about all forms of workplace harassment and protected class discrimination. As a business owner, learn how to prevent, create policies, investigate, and find solutions to employee misconduct.

6/14 Lowering Card Processing Costs for Your Business 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Would you like to learn how to lower an important but often overlooked cost in your business? Unfortunately, the majority of business owners do not understand what they are paying for or why when they get their credit card processing statement. This workshop is designed to introduce you to the basics of credit card processing: industry and pricing structures, interchange fees, equipment and leases, contracts, surcharging and cash discounting, and how you can make simple changes to save your business money. Current business owners are encouraged to bring a processing statement so they can do their own analysis while new entrepreneurs will learn what to look for in a processor and equipment. Never be caught off guard by a sales call again!

6/19 Executive to Entrepreneur 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Are you ready to make the leap from corporate executive to entrepreneurship? If you’re thinking about taking this step, or have already launched your business, come and learn from experts who have transitioned from working for someone else to being their own boss.
(Part of the ‘Hear Us Roar: Women’s Workshop Series”)

6/21 Podcasting 101 for Small Businesses  9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

with Special Guests Jessica Kupferman and Elsie Ecobar, Co-Founders of She Podcasts
Learn about the benefits of a podcast for your business and how to create, record, launch and distribute a podcast. Discover the easiest platforms to launch and how to select affordable equipment to record your podcast.  You will also learn about types of content formats and to how to name, brand, market, and monetize your podcast.

6/26 Record Keeping, Compliance and Winning Strategy  3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

This class will pave the way for anyone who wants to start a business endeavor or has an existing, to learn good financial habits. You will get a chance to learn how to keep your records, how long to keep them and best practices that may help you start or keep your business. Do not be victim to audits or compliance reviews. Be ready and proactive. Bring your questions, forms and paperwork and ask as many questions as you can.

6/28 Ten Practical Legal Tips for Small Business Success 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. – 11th Floor, Room 1103

Running a small business takes a lot of work. Often, a handful of employees fill a variety of roles, meaning that everyone has to bring serious hard work, dedication, self-motivation, and multitasking skills to the table. Amid all this, it can be easy to forget about the legal aspects of running a business. However, attending to these matters sooner rather than later is likely to save you time, stress, and expense in the long run. Join us in this workshop to learn our top 10 legal tips for small business success.