A chat with Pinterest’s designer, crowdfunding how-to’s, and more

Crain’s brings you weekly news of seminars, networking events, awards dinners, contests and courses of interest to Chicago-area entrepreneurs. Send your event announcements to smallbizcalendar@gmail.com

EVENTS JUST ANNOUNCED

Wednesday, June 27
Chicago eCommerce: You Know Your Customers Don’t You?
Harnessing this data to learn about your customers is key to growing online sales and brand engagement. Learn how to do it at this panel discussion.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Place: 1871 Auditorium, Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Map
Cost: Free
Register

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Saturday, June 30
Meet Pinterest Designer Sahil Lavingia
He’s 19 years old. Venture companies just gave him $7 million to start his own company. Join us for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A with Pinterest designer and Gumroad founder Sahil Lavingia.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: ITA @ TechNexus, 200 S. Wacker Drive, 15th Floor Map
Cost: $25-$40
Register

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Tuesday, July 3
BNC Venture Capital Group
The BNC Venture Capital Group introduces investment opportunities to professional investors (angels, early-stage venture capitalists, and private-equity firms seeking add-ons) and fosters the growth of entrepreneurial activity.
When: 5-8 p.m.
Place: Polsinelli Shughart, 161 N. Clark St., Suite 4200 Map
Info: Len Bland 847.317.0656 or len_bland@conceptequity.com

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Tuesday, July 10
Building Your Brand With a Business Facebook Page
With 70 percent of U.S. Internet users on Facebook, it can be a great medium to convey your brand’s message. Learn how to use Facebook to help your business.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $30-$35
Register

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Wednesday, July 11
Licensing, Permit & Inspections 101
Talk to city of Chicago inspectors and get your questions answered about requirements for you business.
When: 3-4:30 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

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Wednesday, July 11
The Food Safety Modernization Act: Implementation Update
Presentation by Edgar Asebey-Birkholm, Esq., chairman of the FDA Practice Group at Sandler Travis & Rosenberg P.A., who will focus on new regulations that most directly impact food companies, food importers, foreign food exporters and service providers in the food supply chain.
When: Noon-3 p.m.
Place: Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont Map
Cost: $50-$65.
Info/Register
773.725.1106, Email

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Thursday, July 12
Connections Points: Networking With Accountants, Attorneys, Mediators and Financial Advisers
Women business owners connect with their peers.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Place: Argent Restaurant & Raw Bar, 660 N. State St. Map
Cost: $20-$30
Register

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Tuesday, July 17
Crowd Funding: Other Alternative Sources of Money
This webinar discusses non-traditional sources of funding such as crowd funding andf micro-capital by looking at resources such as Kickstarter, Accionand angel investors.
When: 1-2:30 p.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $10-$20
Register

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Friday, July 20
Export to Canada
Topics include: doing Business in Canada; export procedures to Canada; export documentation to Canada; tariff schedules and other regulations; distribution practices in Canada; payments and banking.
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon
Place: Doubletree Guest Suites & Conference Center, 2111 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove Map
Cost: $295 ($345 after June 20).
Info/Register

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Monday, Aug. 13
Media, Capital & Strategy
A Chicago Innovation Awards survey found that gaining awareness for new products and services, raising capital, and strategies for growth are top concerns of entrepreneurs. Learn how to turn these challenges into opportunities.
When: 1:30-6 p.m.
Place: Museum of Broadcast Communications, 400 N. State St. Map
Cost: $15
Register

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Friday, Oct. 5
City Treasurer’s Small Business Expo
More than 3,000 attendees gather for workshops and resources to help their businesses grow.
When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Place: UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road Map
Cost: Free
Info/Register

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Monday, Oct. 22
Chicago Innovation Awards
An event to celebrate the creative spirit of the Chicago region by honoring its most innovative new products and services.
When: 5-8:30 p.m.
Place: Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive
Cost: $25
Register

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Monday, June 18
Social Networking for Entrepreneurs: Boon or Boondoggle?
A panel of experts will discuss social networking strategies using LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and blogs in light of the return on the investment of precious time and resources these digital tools require.
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Place: Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Map
Cost: $30
Register

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Tuesday, June 19
Export Control Reform: Creating Leadership Opportunities for Securing America’s Trade
Lunch and panel discussion on how to better understand enforcement policies for the purposes of mitigating compliance risks and supporting export sales strategies. This program has been approved for 2.5 CES credits.
When: Noon-2:30 p.m.
Place: Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont Map
Cost: Members & clients of sponsors $55; non-members, $70.
RSVP rsvp@itagc.org, or call 773.725.1106

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Tuesday, June 19
Increase Sales and Profits Without Increasing Cost
Shorten your existing sales cycle, laser-target the customers/clients you’d most like to have, and stop wasting resources on prospects who have no intention of buying in the first place.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $50-$60
Register

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Tuesday, June 19
Take the Mystery out of Financing
Get real-world examples and ask questions you may have avoided asking previously. Learn the Five C’s: cash flow, collateral, capital, character and conditions, and detailed information about financing through equity, debt, receivables, purchase order and leasing.
When: 1-2:30 p.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $10-20
Register

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Tuesday, June 19
Entrepreneurs Unpluggd: Make Your Passion Your Next Startup
Join us for an evening of stories and actionable takeaways from experienced entrepreneurs who want to help you build your business. Featuring: Jake Nickell, co-founder, Threadless; Desiree Vargas Wrigley, co-founder GiveForward; Joshua Hernandez, founder, Tap.me.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Chopin Theater, 1543 Division St. Map
Cost: $20-$30
Register

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Wednesday, June 20
Webinar: Negotiating Global Supply Chain Costs
Sponsored by the World Academy, session will focus on steps international supply-chain managers can take to lower freight and logistics costs.
When: 1-2 p.m.
Cost: $95
Register

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Wednesday, June 20
Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request For Proposal
Workshop by city of Chicago Department of Procurement Services will help you learn what evaluators look for in an RFP and how to avoid common mistakes.
When: 2-4 p.m.
Place: City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs, 121 N. LaSalle, Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

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Wednesday, June 20
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Small Business BootCamp
Learn from some of the best in the business as they teach you ways to get your business more exposure through connecting your brand through the latest in web and mobile technology.
When: 7:30-11 a.m.
Place: DeVry University Chicago Loop Center 225 W. Washington St. Map
Cost: $25-$40
Register

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Thursday, June 21
The Moxie Awards
A celebration recognizing outstanding individuals and companies, including Headline Awards for Best Corporate Digital Innovation, Best New Startup, Breakthrough Digital Company of the Year and CEO of the Year. Plus very serious, competitive awards like Best Beard.
When: 6:30-10 p.m.
Place: Park West, 322 W Armitage Ave. Map
Cost: $30–$40
Register

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Friday, June 22
Small Business Website Design: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
This workshop is geared toward business owners who are either getting started with their first website or have an existing website that they would like to improve.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $60-$70
Register

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June 22-25
Techweek Expo
It’s a trade show and innovation place where Fortune companies exhibit and demo the newest tech products alongside early-stage startups and university-level cutting-edge research in front of thousands of Techweek participants.
When: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Place: Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Map
Cost: $20-$40 (expo only)
Information

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UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Tuesday, June 26
Shakers and Stirrers
Make quality business connections and mingle with top professionals at this Networking for Professionals event.
When: 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
Place: Fleming’s Steakhouse, 25 E. Ohio St. Map
Cost: $10-$20
Register

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Tuesday, June 26
TechnoriPitch
A monthly showcase of innovative startups pitching their latest technologies before a crowd of entrepreneurs, designers, tech companies, investors and tech enthusiasts.
When: 6-8:30 p.m.
Place: Chase Auditorium, 10 S. Dearborn St., Lower Lobby Map
Cost: $10-$20
Register/Info

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Wednesday, June 27
How to Become Certified for Doing Business with the City of Chicago
There are different types of procurement opportunities with the city. Learn what it takes to become a certified city of Chicago vendor.
When: 2-4:30 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.2086

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Wednesday, June 27
The Passion of Leadership
President and CEO Henry Givray of SmithBucklin Corp. discusses characteristics of leaders, measuring leadership performance and building leadership capacity to strengthen your business.
When: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Place: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005 Map
Cost: Free
RSVP

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Wednesday, June 27
Workshop on City Treasurer Business Plan Competition
Learn how you may win up to $5,000 through this annual contest. Three business plans from startups or existing small businesses will win awards, based on the clear, concise articulation of their business idea, creativity, marketing, sales strategy and overall viability.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Place: Chatham Business Association, 806 E. 78th St
Cost: Free
Register

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Thursday, June 28
EFactor Presents Mobile App Development
In 2010 mobile applications brought in $2.2 billion. Don’t get left behind! This event is for business owners and developers to learn and meet potential partners to help get your idea off the ground.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Place: Catapult Chicago, 321 N. Clark St., Suite 2250 Map
Cost: $10-$20
Register

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Friday, June 29
Identity Theft Prevention For Businesses and Consumers
Don’t get burned by the fastest-growing crime in the U.S. At this IRS workshop you’ll learn about scams that can affect you and steps to take if you become a victim.
When: 9:30-11 a.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.2086

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Monday, July 2
Wisdom, Wine and Cheese
Learn what how the Women’s Business Development Center can help prospective and established owners clarify their needs and learn about small-business resources.
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $10-$20
Register

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Monday, July 2
The ABCS of Starting a Business and Estimating Start Up Costs
Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, what are the first steps you should take? This workshop will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $40, $50
Register

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Monday, July 9
Starting a Business In Illinois
This workshop will address: whether business ownership is right for you, personal feasibility, impact on your life, transition of moving from employee to owner, legal entities and more.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $10
Register

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Tuesday, July 10
Small Town Rules: How Big Brands and Small Businesses Can Prosper in a Connected Economy
Barry, co-author of “Small Town Rules,” will reveal the seven “rural-style” solutions that have become invaluable to even the largest companies and most dominant brands, and how they can apply to your company.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St. Map
Cost: $25
Register

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Monday, July 16
Quickbooks Basics
This workshop will cover the importance of accounting for small businesses, setting reasonable expectations for your use of the program and keeping good records.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $50-$60
Register

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Friday, July 27
Starting a Business in Illinois
Learn how to evaluate yourself, your idea, finding a niche and more at this startup workshop.
When: 2-4 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 508 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 773.995.3938

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Friday, Aug. 3
Starting a Business in Illinois
Learn how to evaluate yourself, your idea, finding a niche and more at this startup workshop.
When: 2-4 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 508 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 773.995.3938

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Tuesday, Aug. 21
Creative Financing for Your Small Business
Jessica Alfaro of UIC’s Institute from Entrepreneurial Studies, discusses available sources of business capital. preparing loan proposals and applications.
When: 4-6 p.m.
Place: Harold Washington Library, Video Theatre, 400 S. State St., Map
Cost: Free
Info

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Friday, Sept. 28
Small Business Marketing and Expo
Annual business-to-business networking and social media marketing event at Illinois Small Business Development Center Chicago State University.
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Place: To be determined
Cost: $50
Info

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Nov. 1-3
National Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Conference
Join over 1,200 students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and other entrepreneurial-minded individuals at this motivational event where 70 outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders share their expertise and lessons.
Place: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 South Martin L. King Drive Map
Information

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