Chicago Community Ventures Blog

Business Education Workshops presented by City of Chicago BACP

The City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection division offers FREE workshops for Chicago-area small businesses. Check out what's on tap for November!

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Tech 101 for Small Business: How to take advantage of technology and Web 2.0 at a low cost

November 13
9:30am to11:00 am

Presented by SWATware LLC

Are you looking for cost-effective technology solutions to help your business grow? Do you want to establish a website for your business but don´t know where to start? At this workshop, you will learn ways to improve your business using through technology and avoid the common mistakes business owners make.

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Business Works Seminar

November 19
5:30pm to 9:00pm

Located at Richard J. Daley College – 7500 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago

If you are thinking about starting or growing your business, this is the place to be! At this seminar for entrepreneurs you can visit with nearly 30 government agencies providing business resources, network with government and business leaders and attend FREE workshops. Don't miss it!

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All workshops are FREE and are located at:
 
City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805

Space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling 312.744.5344 

To learn more about BACP's workshops visit www.cityofchicago.org/bacp

Empowering Women's Brilliance Initiative

The following new initiative is a great resource for Chicago-based women entrepreneurs to utilize! Check out the details below!

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Empowering Women's Brilliance

Join Directions Training, Macy's and the Microsoft's DPE team as we launch Empowering Women’s Brilliance. This local initiative was designed to help promote and celebrate women in technology by helping them accelerate the success of their early stage startups, providing:

Software - Development tools and production licenses with NO upfront costs

Support - Resources and Community support from over 300 network and hosting partners and Professional technical support from Microsoft

Visibility - Profile and Promotion on the BizSpark Database

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Where: Macy's Narcissist Room (7th Fl)
            111 North State Street
            Chicago, IL 60602

When: November 17, 2009; 4pm - 8pm (CST)

Cost: FREE!

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Agenda:

Registration & Reception:
4:00pm – 4:45pm

Event Kick-Off:
4:30 – 4:45pm
Norma Reyes,  City of Chicago Commissioner of Business Affairs

Welcome:
5pm – 5:15pm
Alita Larkin, Microsoft Midwest Depth Territory Manager

The Program , Introduction to BizSpark Program:
5:15 – 5:45
DPE Team

Next Steps (Enrollment, The Load Fest, The Training & The Board):
5:45 – 6:15pm
Directions Training

Reception & Activities:
6:15 – 8:00pm
BizSpark Program Registration, 1 Minute Make Over, Head Shots, How to Dress for Success Fashion Show, Video Testimonials...and more!

Click Here To Register!

Brought to you by:

SBA Awards – Applications Due November 24!

Do you know a stellar small business owner?  Nominate him or her for a 2010 Small Business Administration award.  All nomination forms are due November 24.  Winners will be honored during next year's National Small Business Week, scheduled for May 23-29, 2010.

Award categories include:

• Small Business Person of the Year – developed an outstanding business or unique product; increased jobs; sales growth; community involvement; overcome an adverse situation
• Small Business Exporter of the Year – increased profits and job creation through export sales
• SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year – owner should not reach 30 years old by June 1, 2010; need a 3-year record of success
• Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Small Business – family-owned business passed from one generation to the next; need a 15-year track record
• Entrepreneurial Success – business must have received SBA assistance
• Home Based Business Champion
• Minority Small Business Champion
• Veteran Small Business Champion
• Women in Business Champion

Mr. Samuel Ko, president of Glendale Heights-based Philos Technologies Inc, was the 2009 Small Business Person of the Year in Illinois. 

There are several statements and forms required so carefully read through the requirements check-list to make sure your application is complete.  Here is a list of tips from the SBA to help fill out your nomination.

For more information contact Mark Ferguson at 312.353.5430.

Doing Business with the Federal Government: GSA Schedules and ARRA

Chicago Community Ventures and the Chicago Minority Business Enterprise Center present:

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: GSA SCHEDULES AND ARRA

FEATURING Washington DC‘s Best - Lonnette Bryan, president of GSA Federal Solutions, Inc.

            DATE:             Thursday, November 12, 2009

            TIME:              9:00 am to Noon, SPACE LIMITED

            LOCATION:     105 W. Adams, 23rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60603

            COST:             $15

This unique event will include an educational component designed to deliver value, and provide small businesses the direct knowledge when marketing their product and services to the Federal Government via The General Services Administration (GSA). A large percentage of ARRA Contracts are given to companies on GSA Schedules.

The Federal, State & Local Governments are the largest buyer in the world. Small businesses are often at a disadvantage when trying to win contracts. GSA Federal Solutions, Inc. intensifies their concerns of recognition when it comes to opportunity. There can never be too much equality.

Lonnette Bryan will bring innovative solutions along with a wealth of knowledge in support of everything you need to know about Getting on the GSA Federal Supply Schedules. She had a distinguished career with the U.S. Federal Government for more than 25 years, most recent she held the position as Contracts Specialist for the U.S. General Services Administration, Federal Supply Schedules (GSA/FSS), awarding GSA/FSS Schedule contracts. She‘s best know for her negotiation techniques.

Market Mondays: I Dream of Falafel

A downtown Chicago hot spot for scrumptious and healthy Middle Eastern cuisine

I Dream of Falafel is a unique, Middle Eastern quick serve concept, where customers create their own shawarma (sandwich or entrée) with fresh vegetables and fillings of their choice.  With a major focus on customer service, it’s no wonder this Loop restaurant is becoming popular among downtown Chicagoans. 

I Dream of Falafel is dedicated to making tasty, ethnic recipes with quality ingredients, served fresh and fast.  The shop, located at 331 South Franklin Street in The Loop, also serves juices made from freshly squeezed fruit every day.

The vegan- and vegetarian-friendly eatery, which opened in June, is already one of the best Middle Eastern spots in the Chicago area.  Metromix Chicago listed it as one of the top challengers for delicious, spiced falafel and Facebook users are raving about the tasty food options and stylish décor and atmosphere.

I Dream of Falafel even has affordable breakfast offerings served from 7:30am to 10:30am: Mediterranean omelets, scrambled eggs, toasted hummus, and more.  Pair it with Arabian or mint green tea for a healthy, morning meal.  The store is open Monday through Friday until 4pm.

Looking to feed a crowd?  I Dream of Falafel also has catering services.