Tag Archives: chicago

Education, Illinois, Tips

April 2021 FREE Small Business Webinars – City of Chicago

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BACP offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

Friday, 4/9 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Better Business Opportunities
Presented by Chase for Business
Powerful networks mean more business opportunities. In today’s business world, leaders prefer to become intermingled in important transactions with people they trust. Relationships establish and fortify that trust. That’s why serious serial entrepreneurs, influencers, deal makers and multiple project players choose to seek out exclusive business networking opportunities.
Please join us to learn more about how to align yourself with powerful networks!
Register for the 4/9 Webinar 

Wednesday, 4/14 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Obtaining a Liquor License in the City of Chicago
Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
This webinar will provide a general overview of the liquor licensing process in the City of Chicago. We will discuss the different types of liquor licenses, an overview of the application process, and items to consider before submitting an application.
Register for the 4/14 Webinar

Friday, 4/16 Webinar at 9:30 AM
How to Write a Business Plan. What you need to know!
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.
Register for the 4/16 Webinar

Wednesday, 4/21 Webinar at 3:00 PM
SBA update: Recovery Programs for Entrepreneurs
Presented by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Illinois District Office
Join presenters from the U.S. Small Business Administration for an overview of small business relief programs and learn how you can access immediate relief for your entrepreneurial needs. The presenters will discuss the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and other relief options for small businesses. Bring your questions! There will be time for Q&A.
Register for the 4/21 Webinar 

Friday, 4/23 Webinar at 9:30 AM
To Thine Own Self Be True; Discovering the Value in Your Personal Brand
Presented by Nina Abnee, Professional Lecture and Advertising Professional in Residence at DePaul University; a certified Leadership Coach; and former advertising executive
Nina Abnee is a Professional Lecture and Advertising Professional in Residence at DePaul University; a certified Leadership Coach; and former advertising executive. She has combined her expertise in crafting brand strategies with her training as a professional coach to help people discover their own authentic brand and create momentum for their lives and businesses.
Register for the 4/23 Webinar

Wednesday, 4/28 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Know Your Rights
The Office of Labor Standards presents overview of worker rights and employer responsibilities during COVID-19 under Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, Anti-Retaliation Ordinances.
Register for the 4/28 Webinar

Friday, 4/30 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Legal Framework for Small Businesses
Presented by: Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid, LLC
The legal component of a business sets the foundation and structure for a sustainable business. A business climate is everchanging, but valuable legal tips are a resource. Learn the top 10 legal tips for small business success through an interactive webinar. The Q&A set up will provide useful and practical tips on legal essentials such as incorporation, contracts, and more.
Register for the 4/30 Webinar

Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.

Previous Webinars


Visit BACP’s YouTube page for all additional webinars.

Partner Webinars

BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education workshop and webinar series.

For program details (enrollment, requirements, contact information, etc.) and to enroll go to Entrepreneur Certificate Program.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. Ths allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

PPP & Other Emergency Funding Opportunities – FREE BACP Webinar 1/19/21

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From the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program will support small businesses throughout the country with up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Businesses apply for PPP loans through a bank, credit union, community lender, online lender or other participating lenders. Please note that some lenders may not be participating in the program – please contact your preferred lender to determine if they are participating. Learn more at sba.gov/ppp and find a lender using the SBA Lender Match Tool.
While BACP does not manage the Paycheck Protection Program, we will be holding webinars and continuing to share information in the coming days and weeks.
The first webinar, “The Paycheck Protection Program and Other Emergency Funding Opportunities,” will be presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Accion Chicago on Tuesday, January 19, at 3:00 pm.Register and learn more at chicago.gov/businesseducation. More webinars will be planned in the coming weeks – stay tuned!
To learn more about the PPP, please visit these links:

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

Education, Illinois, Tips

Year-End Reminders For Chicago Businesses

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Chicago businesses have a few extra items to make sure are in order before year-end.

In a year of unbelievable stress, overwhelming work, and terrifying outlooks, we can rest easy that our city has small businesses in mind — by making sure we continue to meet all the obligations that were put in place before the pandemic, without any exceptions. Yay!

To be fair, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) was designed to “license businesses and public vehicles, provide business education and access to resources, enforce the Municipal Code, and protect consumers from fraud,” and none of those things magically stops just because we’re all struggling to stay alive (figuratively and literally).

With that in mind, here are some things you’ll need to make sure get taken care of before ringing in the new year.

  1. Illinois Department of Human Rights Sexual Harassment Training
    For the record, this one is state-mandated, not just city-wide. The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act requires all employers to comply with the sexual harassment prevention training by December 31, 2020, and thereafter must provide annual training to all employees.
    As of July 1, 2020, the Illinois Human Rights Act defines “employers” as those having one or more employees (replacing the prior threshold of 15 or more employees in Illinois for most types of discrimination). This means that every employer in Illinois must comply with this sexual harassment training requirement, for all employees working in Illinois, regardless of their status as part-time, intern, or temporary. There is no requirement to train independent contractors, though it is recommended.

    The Illinois Department of Human Rights provides the training for free (registration ends 24-hours before each class), or there are numerous commercial training options (as low as $25). They have an FAQ here, as well as details on minimum training for all employers, versus more comprehensive training for bars and restaurants.

  2. Chicago Minimum Wage
    Back in 2014, the city implemented a gradual increase of the minimum wage. It applies to any employee who works at least two hours in any two-week period. As of July 1, 2020 the minimum wage in Chicago is $13.50 per hour for employers with 4 to 20 workers, and $14 per hour for employers with 21 or more workers. Tipped workers have a minimum wage of $8.10 for employers with 4 to 20 workers, and $8.40 for employers with 21 or more workers. If a tipped worker’s wages plus tips do not equal at least the full minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference. The FAQ is here. BACP also offers a one-hour-long free webinar on the ordinance.

  3. Chicago Paid Sick Leave
    This ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2017, and was so poorly-written that folks are still confused. It applies to any business or individual that employs at least one “employee” and has a facility within Chicago’s city limits (though Cook County followed suit a few months later and has a similar requirement). The term “employee” covers anyone who works at least 80 hours within a 120-day period (20 hours a month).
    – For hourly employees, paid sick leave accrues at one-hour for every 40 hours worked. Salaried-exempt employees are presumed to have worked 40 hours/week.
    – Employees are capped at accruing a total of 40 hours of sick leave each year, unless the employer opts to set a higher limit.
    – Employers must permit employees to carry over half of their accrued leave, to a maximum of 20 hours of unused sick leave each year (40 for employers with 50 or more employees).
    – Employers are not required to pay out any accrued but unused sick leave upon employment termination.

    What we’ve generally seen — given the stringent requirements and the way hours accrue — is that many employers with existing PTO policies have to get substantive revisions, as they often do not follow the same rules (even though they are often more generous). Failure to comply is costly, so we recommend having an HR professional experienced with the Chicago rules review your policy.

    BACP offers a one-hour-long free webinar on the ordinance.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

Update: Illinois Business Interruption Grants – It’s Not Too Late To Apply

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BIG Application Page
BIG Application Page

The Business Interruption Grant (BIG), a program available through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO), continues to actively seek applicants, in order to effectively disburse the full amount awarded to the state program. It leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The state received $540 million for BIG from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act, of which $270 million was earmarked for small businesses, according to Lauren Huffman, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Applications are live now.

The first round of BIGs provided $49 million to businesses such as restaurants, personal care services, gyms and fitness clubs, and businesses located in “Disproportionately Impacted Areas” (DIAs). A list of awardees is available here.

The second round of BIGs will provide $220 million to “businesses downstate, in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs), and for heavily impacted industry and regions – representing businesses that have been unable to reopen or operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring.” A discussion of the program, outlining the various types of prioritized and eligible businesses, as well as eligible costs, is in an earlier blog post, here.

To summarize, Round 2 includes:
– $60 million for heavily impacted industries, such as movie theaters, performing arts & concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks.*
– $70 million for disproportionately impacted areas, defined by zip code for communities that are most economically distressed and vulnerable to COVID-19. 
– More than $100 million for downstate communities.
– $5 million for livestock production disruptions. (Applications available from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.)
– Loan Forgiveness for Illinois small business emergency loan recipients.

*In addition to the $60 million for heavily impacted industries, the following types of businesses are being prioritized:

  • Businesses directly affected by regional mitigations implemented by state or local governments.
  • Independently owned retail.
  • Tourism- and hospitality-related industries.

(Businesses outside the categories listed above are also eligible to apply and receive funding under the program but may be reviewed later than priority businesses. Assistance with applications is available at no cost.)

A list of awardees for Round 2 (those granted so far, on a rolling award basis), is here.

However, as I started to see media coverage touting the benefits to independent retail, and promoting the program, trying to drum up applications, I began to be concerned for my own clients — many of them have received grants, to be sure, for which we are immensely thankful — but they were all in the hospitality industry, or in a DIA. To-date, not a single retail client has received any BIG funds. And since the program says that all businesses will receive a decision on their grant application within four to six weeks of application submission, I was frustrated to see that many of my clients had not heard anything, and yet new articles such as this were frequently coming my way, where my own state rep, Will Guzzardi, was saying the program did not have enough applicants. (Block Club was reporting the same story.) I reached out to colleagues in accounting, bookkeeping, law, and to chambers of commerce and heard the same story — small retailers were not receiving Business Interruption Grants.

So I contacted Rep. Guzzardi to find out what the story was, and he was, as usual, interested in the discrepancy between what he had been told and the actual experiences of small business owners. He took my questions to the state and came back with some solid explanations and more encouragement.

For starters, the state is reviewing applications in three categories: DIAs, downstate Illinois applicants, and disproportionately impacted industries — restaurants, bars, venues, etc. If an application doesn’t fall into one of those categories, it’s probably being moved further down the queue. But that doesn’t mean anything about their likelihood of getting a grant. It just means that they’ll be reviewed later in the process.

They evaluate every application first on the basis of whether or not they meet the basic eligibility criteria, and then based on how many of these criteria they meet:

  • Directly impacted by regional mitigation to prevent the spread of COVID 19, based on applicant industry and county
  • Has not received any other emergency funding, e.g. in the form of PPP or other state or local grants
  • Has under $5 million in annual revenue
  • Located in a disproportionately impacted area (DIA)
  • Located in a “downstate” county
  • Operate in a priority industry, including the following: ○ Independently-Owned Retail ○ Restaurant ○ Bar or Tavern ○ Gym or Fitness Center ○ Tourism and Travel ○ Support Service of Arts or Events

Then they conduct separate lotteries based on how many of those criteria you met. So if you meet 6/6, you’re in a lottery group with very good odds. If you only meet one or two, your lottery is less likely.
If you don’t win your lottery, your application is held over into the next lottery batch.

BIG Round 1 didn’t go to retailers at all. In Round 2, retail is in a pretty large pool with bars, restaurants, gyms, museums, etc., and so they’re just facing slightly longer odds, especially if they’re not in a DIA or downstate.

The message to retail folks is: if you applied, your application is still in the lottery — just because it hasn’t come up doesn’t mean it won’t. I expect the state is just trying to make sure those who are hardest hit have the best chance at the grants, and then they’ll turn their attention to independently-owned retail and the other eligible business types.

It is not too late to apply!

Join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for an informational webinar regarding the Business Interruption Grant (BIG). Attendees will learn about eligibility criteria, required documentation and step-by-step instructions for the online application. DCEO representatives will be available to answer your questions and all attendees will receive a copy of the presentation materials with direct links to the BIG program portal, FAQs and contact information for DCEO representatives who are available for 1-to-1 technical assistance, if needed.

Wednesday, December 2 at 10am
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e84aa07e4dc9ede92fa8a13fa268fa538

Friday, December 4 at 9am
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb884f11ff20cb4fcc9394b7081fe49fd

Thursday, December 10 at 2pm
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb0276e6285a6954875c46d7da4555053

And I know I’ve shared this link countless times by now, but honestly, it is an amazing source of information on applications, evaluation criteria, assistance, eligible costs, and so much more.

For the clients who have received this grant, it has been a lifeline. It’s much more flexible than the PPP, it’s a grant rather than a loan like the EIDL, and it’s built for small business. The application is not a particularly challenging one. If you are a small business struggling due to the pandemic, you owe to to yourself to give this one a try.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

Chicago Performing Arts Venue Relief Grant – FREE Webinar Oct 8

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv3UTm7ATwk&feature=emb_logo

As Republicans in Congress refuse to pass further relief packages for those hit hardest by COVID-19, Chicago announced a new fund to help struggling local performing arts spaces — as it’s currently estimated that 90 percent of live music venues won’t survive without additional support, reported Block Club.

Venues can apply for up to $10,000 from the Performing Arts Venue Relief Program, funded in part by the Walder Foundation and the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, and in partnership with Accion. The city said 120 eligible applicants will be randomly selected by lottery for the relief grants.

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an application assistance webinar on Thursday, October 8 from 12:00pm–1:00pm. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/venue-program-info-session-tickets-123724718965

Eligibility criteria and applications are available at chicago.gov/artsvenuerelief — the application deadline is October 23 at 5pm Central. Grant recipients will chosen via lottery and notified of their acceptance on November 16th.

The program will prioritize funding organizations located on the South and West sides, in LMI (Low and Moderate Income) community areas, organizations that were not eligible for the City of Chicago’s Together Now program, and organizations that have not received grants through the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, the City of Chicago’s Together Now program, or the 2020 CityArts Large program for organizations with budgets over $2M.

In addition, if you care about live performance, please consider sending this form letter to your representatives asking them to support the bipartisan “Save Our Stages” Act.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

Chicago Phase 4 Reopening Guidelines By Industry – FREE Webinar Recordings

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Recorded webinars for Phase 4 reopening guidance are available online now.

Chicago has moved forward, along with the rest of Illinois, into Phase 4 of reopening.

According to ABC News: Illinois has made progress through its plan for having tiered mitigation for the 11 regions in the state with the potential for increasing mitigation measures based on local resurgences. Regions are currently at the Tier 4 level, with some having additional measures.

Phase 4 of reopening allows for gatherings of 50 people or fewer, restaurants and bars can reopen with limited capacity and restrictions, travel resumes, and child care and schools can reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Face coverings are required and social distancing is the norm. The Illinois Department of Commerce has issued a pdf of guidelines.

Chicago has a slightly more cautious roll-out of Phase 4 based on a higher concentration of population, risk factors, and cases. The mayor recently announced the next phase of reopening for all businesses, including Retail, Food Service & Bars, Personal Services, and Health & Fitness Centers. The city’s Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection has once again held free webinars on the topics and made the recordings available on their site and YouTube.

Recorded Reopening Webinars:

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

Illinois Business Interruption Grant, Round 2, Open Now — FREE WEBINAR Sept 22

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Register by visiting www.chicago.gov/businesseducation

The State of Illinois has created the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program for small businesses in Illinois suffering losses as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as communities impacted by the recent civil unrest. Applications for a second round of funding are now live. A total of $220 million will be made available for small businesses of all types in Illinois.

The Chicago BACP has put together a free webinar on September 22, 2020 that brings together the following partners to provide an overview of the program and how to apply.
– Ciere Boatright, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
– Brad McConnell, Accion Serving Illinois and Indiana
– Marcus Yancey, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago
Register by visiting www.chicago.gov/businesseducation today.

The second wave of funds includes the following provisions to ensure a wide distribution of funds geographically and across business type:

  • Heavily Impacted Industries – $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, and more.
  • Disproportionately Impacted Areas – $70 million set aside for DIAs, defined by zip codes identified by the General Assembly for communities that are most economically distressed and vulnerable to COVID-19.
  • Downstate Communities– DCEO has committed to ensuring that at least half of all remaining funds, totaling more than $100 million, are reserved for businesses in downstate and rural communities of Illinois.
  • Priority Businesses– Apart from the $60 million for heavily impacted industries, applications from the following types of businesses will be prioritized for review for remaining funds:  businesses directly affected by regional mitigations implemented by the state or local governments, independently owned retail, tourism- and hospitality-related industries including accommodations, and more.
  • Agriculture – $5 million of the remainder of funds will be set aside for livestock production disruptions.
  • Grants and Loan Forgiveness for Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan recipients – As authorized by the General Assembly, DCEO will offer grants for businesses that have incurred eligible costs to offset loans received under the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan program.

Businesses outside the categories listed above are also eligible to apply and receive funding under the program but may be reviewed later than priority businesses. All businesses will receive a decision on their grant application within four to six weeks of application submission. More information here —
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx

I am getting a lot of questions from recipients of Round 1 grants about what types of costs are considered eligible for this program. The Certification & Requirements pdf states the following.

ELIGIBLE COSTS
“The subrecipient will use the proceeds of the subaward supported by the Program exclusively for costs and losses incurred due to the business interruption or other adverse conditions caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For purposes of this Program, costs incurred during a business interruption may be classified as a cost related to COVID-19. Grant proceeds may be used to reimburse costs and losses such as inventory, equipment (including Personal Protective Equipment and other supplies to promote health and safety), compensation (including salaries, wages, tips, paid leave, and group healthcare benefits), rent, technology to facilitate e-commerce, professional services procured (including the design and construction of environments necessary to promote physical and social distancing and cleaning and disinfecting services) and other costs of operation in accordance with the applicable administrative rules or the policy directives of the grantor that was incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020. All spending related to this program must be reimbursable by the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, as prescribed by 601(a) of the Social Security Act and added by section 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act including all subsequent federal guidance. Expenses that have been or will be reimbursed under any other federal program are not eligible for reimbursement through the proceeds of this subaward.“

Please pass the word along about this grant to the neediest of the Illinois businesses you know.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

Education, Illinois

Chicago’s Labor Laws: What You Need To Know For Your Business – FREE Webinar 8/19/20

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Upcoming FREE Chicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protection webinar on labor laws! – Wednesday, 8/19 Webinar from 3:00-4:30 PM

Chicago’s Labor Laws: What You Need To Know For Your Business – Presented by BACP’s Director of Office of Labor Standards

Attend this webinar to learn about the Chicago Labor Laws that you need to comply with in order to run your business. You will learn about the Chicago Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, Fair Workweek and Anti-Retaliation Laws and how these affect your business.

Register here –
https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/onstage/g.php?MTID=eafc6bab8a5f4b06a7ca1f4cfd2b2f56f

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

June 2020 Chicago BACP Business Education Workshop Webinars

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Note: I’ll continue to add to this list as the City releases more dates.

Wednesday, 6/3 at 3:00 PM Webinar
Marketing Basics: What you need to know!
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner at Rockin Enterprises, Inc.
At this presentation, you’ll learn how to identify your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) as well as identify your target markets or ideal customers. The four cornerstones of marketing will also be reviewed and discussed: Product, Price, Promotion and Placement. Finally, learn 10 low-cost methods to promote your goods or services.
Click here to register for the Wednesday, 6/3 Webinar.

 Friday, 6/5 at 9:30 AM Webinar
COVID-19’s Impact on Employment Handbooks & Policies Going Forward
Presented by Charles Krugel, a Management Side Labor, Employment and Human Resource Attorney
An interactive discussion concerning the kinds of policies and practices employers will need to consider upon reopening.
Click here to register for the Friday, 6/5 Webinar.

Wednesday, 6/10 at 3:00 PM Webinar
Plan for A Successful Business
Presented by Score Chicago
A great Business Plan leads to success.  A thoughtful and well-executed business plan is the first step for every potential entrepreneur. Good planning increases the odds of success. This workshop covers the essential elements of business plan development. Topics include: setting goals and objectives, preparing marketing and financial plans and defining action steps to attain appropriate goals. With a good plan, build your road map to success.
•       Establish the information needed for a detailed business plan.
•       Create the Environment of the Company
•       Establish Pro Forma P&L Statements
•       Identify the Risks
•       Develop the Expected Cash Flow
•       Prioritize Your Action Steps
Click here to register for the Wednesday, 6/10 Webinar.

Friday, 6/12 at 9:30 AM Webinar
Introduction to Intellectual Property, Part I
Presented by Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid LLC
An introductory seminar for the savvy entrepreneur who wants to learn to identify the basic forms of intellectual property and formulate an effective intellectual property strategy for his/her business.
Click here to register for the Friday, 6/12 Webinar.

Tuesday, 6/16 at 2:00 pm Webinar
Labor Standards Records Requirements and Other Employer Obligations
Presented by Office of Labor Standards
Review of employer obligations including record requirements and notice/ posting.
Click here to register for the Tuesday, 6/16 Webinar.

Wednesday, 6/17 at 3:00 PM Webinar
Accounting in Quickbooks
Presented by Trak Patel, ARCC Consulting
Learn how to keep your financial recordkeeping books using QuickBooks. We will identify the differences between QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop and list the important features and benefits.
Click here to register for the Wednesday, 6/17 Webinar.

Wednesday, 6/17 at 2:00 PM & Thursday 6/18 at 10:00 AM Webinars
Outdoor Dining during Phase Three
Presented by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Join this webinar for an overview of all outdoor dining options during Phase Three of Chicago’s Reopening Plan. This webinar will cover rules and guidelines for outdoor dining, including how to obtain a sidewalk café permit or the new Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit.
Click here to register for the Wednesday, 6/17 2:00 pm webinar.
Click here to register for the Thursday, 6/18 10:00 am webinar. 

Thursday, 6/18 at 2:00 pm Webinar
Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
Presented by Office of Labor Standards
Overview of the new Anti-Retaliation Ordinance, designed to protect workers from retaliation during COVID-19.
Click here to register for the 6/18 Webinar.

Friday, 6/19 at 9:30 AM Webinar
How to Open a Concession at O’Hare and Midway International Airports
Presented by the Chicago Department of Aviation – Concessions Department and Unison Retail Management
Are you interested in operating a restaurant or shop at O’Hare or Midway International Airport, but don’t know where to begin? Come and learn about the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and how to operate a business at the airport.  This workshop will also provide an overview of the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program.
Click here to register for the Friday, 6/19 Webinar.

Monday, June 22 at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM Webinars
Indoor Dining: Options for Restaurants and Bars
Presented by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
The City of Chicago has announced that bars and restaurants can begin indoor service under limited capacity and strict guidelines on Friday, June 26. Join this webinar for an overview of the guidelines for bars and restaurants to reopen indoors.
Click here to register for the 6/22, 10:00 AM Webinar
Click here to register for the 6/22, 1:00 PM Webinar

Phase Four Webinars
While the phase four start date has not been announced, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will be holding webinars to help all industries prepare for the phase four guidelines.
Tuesday, June 23 at 9:00 AM: Hotels – click here to register
Tuesday, June 23 at 10:00 AM: Personal Services – click here to register
Tuesday, June 23 at 11:00 AM: Health and Fitness – click here to register
Wednesday, June 24 at 9:00 AM: Arts/Performance Venues and Museums – click here to register
Wednesday, June 24 at 10:00 AM: Retail – click here to register
Wednesday, June 24 at 11:00 AM: Restaurants and Bars – click here to register

Wednesday, 6/24 at 3:00 PM Webinar
The Power Is In Your Pivot: Series 2
Presented by ChiBizHub
This webinar, is the second in a series that will convene a panel of business owners and ChiBizHub resource providers to share insight on how they’ve pivoted their businesses during COVID-19. The webinar will provide an overview and tips on how these businesses have remained relevant, gained a new customer base and skills amidst the pandemic to keep their businesses alive.
Click here to register for the Wednesday, 6/24 Webinar.

Thursday,  6/25 at 10:00 AM Webinar
COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses
Presented by: An SBA Illinois District Representative
Join us for an update on the Small Business Administration’s programs to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the Paycheck Protection Program, and more. We’ll discuss eligibility requirements, applying for forgiveness, and other sources of funding. Bring your questions!
Click here to register for the Thursday, 6/25 Webinar.

Friday, 6/26 at 9:30 AM Webinar
Tips & Tricks for Networking in a Pandemic World
Presented by Anna Maria Viti-Welch, President of the Viti Companies
Anna Maria Viti-Welch, President of The Viti Companies, will discuss strategies for building business through networking in unusual global circumstances – business might be on pause, but networking is still going strong. Bring your questions!
Click here to register for the Friday, 6/26 Webinar.

Email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.

And please — also take a look at the additional industry-specific webinar series for the re-opening framework for Chicago during Phase 3, also available on the BACP Business Re-Opening Portal —

To view Reopening Chicago: Retail Service, click here.
To view Reopening Chicago: Food Service, click here.
To view Reopening Chicago: Health and Fitness, click here.
To view Reopening Chicago: Personal Services, click here.
To view Overview of Chicago’s Reopening Plan for Businesses (Spanish), click here.
To view Overview of Chicago’s Reopening Plan for Businesses, click here.

And get ready for the upcoming Phase 4 with Phase Four Webinars:
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is holding webinars to help all industries prepare for the Phase 4 guidelines.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.

COVID-19 Financial Relief, Education, Illinois, Tips

Chicago Reopening Framework Webinars

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UPDATE: the webinar dates have passed, but the City of Chicago has made most of the recordings available for viewing, and on the BACP Business Re-Opening Portal.

To view Reopening Chicago: Retail Service, click here.
To view Reopening Chicago: Food Service, click here.
To view Reopening Chicago: Health and Fitness, click here.
To view Reopening Chicago: Personal Services, click here.
To view Overview of Chicago’s Reopening Plan for Businesses (Spanish), click here.
To view Overview of Chicago’s Reopening Plan for Businesses, click here.

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BACP will be holding a series of webinars to prepare Chicago’s businesses for reopening under Phase 3 of the Protecting Chicago framework.

Specific Industry Webinars:

Monday, 6/1 at 3:00 PM Webinar
Reopening Chicago: Personal Services
This webinar will provide an overview of the industry guidance for Personal Services such as hair/nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, as they prepare to reopen in Phase Three.
Click here to register for the Monday, 6/1 Webinar.

Tuesday,  6/2 at 12:00 PM Webinar
Reopening Chicago: Health and Fitness
This webinar will provide an overview of the industry guidance for Health and Fitness Centers as they prepare to reopen in Phase Three.
Click here to register for the Tuesday, 6/2 12:00 PM Webinar.

Tuesday, 6/2 at 4:00 PM Webinar
Reopening Chicago: Food Service
This webinar will provide an overview of the industry guidance for Food Service establishments, such as restaurants and coffee shops as they prepare to reopen for outdoor dining in Phase Three.
Click here to register for the Tuesday, 6/2 4:00 PM Webinar.

Wednesday, 6/3 at 12:00 PM Webinar
Reopening Chicago: Retail
This webinar will provide an overview of the industry guidance for Retail Stores as they prepare to reopen in Phase Three.
Click here to register for the Wednesday, 6/3 Webinar. 

Thursday, 6/ 4 at 4:00 PM Webinar
Reopening Chicago: Commercial Buildings
This webinar will provide an overview of the industry guidance for Commercial Buildings as they prepare to reopen in Phase Three.
Click here to register for the Thursday, 6/4 Webinar.

If this or any other posts on the website were useful to you, and your financial situation permits it, please consider contributing to my tip jar. This allows me to continue to provide free accounting resources to small businesses who do not have the funds available to hire a CPA.