Today, the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the first in a series of four free business seminars offered throughout the year geared towards providing entrepreneurs with access to resources and financing.
The first seminar will be offered on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Olive Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. at 5:30 p.m.
At the event, entrepreneurs can connect with nearly 30 government and non-profit agencies that assist small businesses. They can also connect with small business loan resources, financial incentives, learn about licensing or tax requirements and more. Three workshops will also be offered on how to write a business plan, how to financing your business, and business marketing.
“Anyone interested in starting a business today needs to know how to gain access to capital and put together a business plan,” said Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Norma I. Reyes. “Taking advantage of the resources that are available today is so critical, especially in this economy. These seminars connect people with agencies and programs that provide lending opportunities, assistance with business planning and information that will help a business owner get on the right track.”
A local Chicago business owner will be the evenings keynote speaker, Mr. Joseph Caldwell of Tailorite Cleaners, who will share his business success story. Caldwell was the first African American contracted to clean the White Sox uniforms which he still services that contract. He currently owns 3 plants and has just turned all his equipment green, making him a “green business.” Caldwell is a staple in the community and is an advocate for small businesses; he serves as Chairman for Chatham Business Association, and serves as a member of the board of Seaway National Bank.
At the event, 15 entrepreneurs will graduate from the “Business Start –Up” program and presented with certificates. The Business Start -Up Certificate program, offered by BACP and City Colleges of Chicago, is a free program for entrepreneurs that offers a curriculum of classes that cover all the basics of starting or growing a business.
To encourage business growth and support entrepreneurs BACP offers business educational classes twice a week that are free and open to the public. The Business Workshop calendar and information on the Business Start-Up Certificate program is available online at www.cityofchicago.org/bacp
Business Works Seminars will be offered throughout the year:
Thursdays, 5:30 pm -9:00 pm
March 11, 2010
Olive Harvey College
10001 S. Woodlawn
June 17, 2010
Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett
August 19, 2010
West Side Technical Institute
2800 S. Western Ave
November 18, 2010
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Van Buren St.