Biz plan tips, a Hyde Park Angels mixer, 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

Tuesday, May 8
Becoming an Expert in Your Field
Jill Salzman, of the Founding Moms, teaches you how to create a powerful platform for your brand. Learn practical, actionable tips and tricks so that you can become a trusted source and establish yourself as an industry leader.
Place: Delightful Pastries, 1710 N. Wells St.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $35
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 9
How to Write a Business Plan
You have questions about writing your business plan? Is your business less than three years old? This workshop by the City of Chicago Treasurer’s Office can help.
When: 6 p.m.
Place: 4321 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 9
The Job Order Contracting Informational Seminar
The City of Chicago’s Job Order Contracting program provides contract for prime contractors and subcontractors. This session is a chance for business owners, small businesses, minority- and women-owned businesses to learn about this program.
When: 3-4:30 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 9
Mastering Cash Management: Keys to Survival and Success
Learn how you can improve business results by the effective use of financial tools for short- and long-range planning, analysis and cash management.
When: 7-9 p.m.
Place: Schaumburg Central Library District, Rasmussen North, 130 S. Roselle Road Schaumburg Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Friday, May 11
Financing Strategies for Your Business
Discover new sources of capital for your business. Learn the correct way to borrow money from friends and family, what angel investors look for, how to prepare a loan proposal and more. Also learn how you can apply for a small -business loan of up to $50,000.
When: 9:30-11 a.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 15
Must Have Entrepreneurial Resources
Get an overview of technology resources that can help you streamline your business, stay ahead of competition and make money by staying current and competitive at this Chicago Entrepeneur Meetup Group.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Campanelli YMCA, 300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg Map
Cost: $15
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 17
Entrepreneur Commons
A network of entrepreneurs meets to provide peer support, share issues and successes on current projects and swap information and contacts in a trusted environment. You must be an entrepreneur to attend.
When: 8-10 a.m.
Place: Foley & Lardner LLP, 321 N. Clark St., Suite 2800
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Friday, May 18
Business Licensing 101
Seminar presents the basics of getting your business licensed with the city of Chicago. Learn about the city’s Business Assistance Center, three simple steps to obtaining a licenses and resources available to help you succeed.
When: 9:30-11 a.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312-744-5344

 

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Tuesday, May 1
Hyde Park Angels Office Hours
Fifteen-minute appointments for entrepreneurs interested in learning about Hyde Park Angels and startup funding.
When: 9 a.m. – noon
Place: Starbucks, 430 N Clark Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 1
Chicago Startup Ideation Bootcamp
Got a great idea for a business, but don’t know where to start? In just three hours, the Startup Ideation Bootcamp will help you improve your idea, come up with new ideas and even recruit potential co-founders.
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Place: Bank of America, 135 S. LaSalle St., 43rd floor Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 2
Talk to City Inspectors: Ask Questions, Get Answers
To operate successfully in Chicago you must know legal requirements for businesses. People from five city departments will provide insight on how you can comply with rules and pass inspections.
When: 3-4:30 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 2
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

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 2
Kellogg Turnaround Management Conference
The Kellogg School of Management and Larry and Carol Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice host the sixth-annual forum on factors critical to success in turnaround situations, today’s current challenges and industry trends.
When: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Place: University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St. Map
Cost: $49-$169
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 3
Victory in Procurement Marketing to the Federal Government
Small-business owners can learn how to effectively sell their service or product to governmental agencies. Learn to target, land meetings, improve your elevator pitch and other tips during this workshop.
When: 8 a.m.-noon
Place: East Bank Club, 500 N. Kingsbury St., South River View Room Map
Cost: Free
Information or call 312.853.3477, ext 0

~~~~~

Thursday, May 3
Import Benchmarking Forum
Learn about compliance issues, how to save money on duties, valuation, entry customs, saving money on duties and more at this forum for importers.
When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Place: Sandler Travis & Rosenberg, 225 W. Washington St., 5th floor Map
Cost: Free (RSVP by April 10)
Information

~~~~~

Friday, May 4
Market Like a Guerilla, Sell Like a Gorilla
Guerilla marketing is a cost-effective way to spread your message and may help you get in front of a potential customer. When you attend this workshop you’ll learn some of the most important techniques of the art of selling.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $50-$60
Register

~~~~~

Friday, May 4
How to Start a Childcare Business
This workshop by the Women’s Business Development Center will help you avoid mistakes by preparing a business plan and learning step-by-step how to launch your business.
When: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

~~~~~

Friday, May 4
Deadline: 2012 White Board Challenge Entries
If you have a brilliant idea that is missing much-needed public recognition, this is the venue. Finalists get five minutes, a whiteboard, a captive audience, and a chance to win $5,000 in cash prizes for their business. Limited to 100 entries.
Deadline: 5 p.m.
Entry Information

~~~~~

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 7-9
The !deation Conference: Be Human
Join some of the most innovative thinkers and practitioners in the field of social good — businesses, organizations, influencers, etc. — to help others develop thoughts and tangible next steps for greater impact in their respective work.
Place: River East Arts Center, 435 E. Illinois St. Map
Cost: $299-$998
Information

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 8
1871 Chicago Founder Stories: Matt Maloney and Mike Evans, GrubHub
Kickoff event for monthly event where company founders talk about how they launched their digital startup
When: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th floor Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 8
Identifying the Market Viability of Your Business Concept
How do you know if your idea will thrive in the marketplace? Learn how to research markets, evaluate other business ideas, define target markets and other information needed before you start or expand your business.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $45-$50
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 8
Best Practices for Transitioning a Business to the Next Generation
Moderator, Deanna Salo, CPA of Cray Kaiser Ltd., will chair a panel of younger-generation business leaders in discussion on the successes and challenges they have encountered in making their transitions. Chicago Family Business Council.
When: 3-6:30 p.m.
Place: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. Map
Cost: Free
RSVP (Required)

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 9
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: Quad Communities Development Corp., 4321 S. Cottage Grove Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 10
13th Annual ITA CityLights Awards Gala
Technology executives, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and investors in the region gather for an evening of dining, socializing and celebrating companies, individuals and institutions that are leading technological breakthroughs.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Union Station, Canal & Jackson Map
Cost: $250-$300
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 10
Connection Points: Networking with Event-Related Professionals & Those Seeking Event-Related Services
This Connection Points event will include plenty of networking time and a short panel presentation where resources in each discipline share insights on trends in the industries and answer questions from participants.
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Place: Vosges Haut Chocolat, 951 W. Armitage (at Sheffield) Map
Cost: $20 in advance, $30 at the door
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 15
Built In Chicago Launch
Startups get an opportunity to present their companies in front of 350 investors and fellow entrepreneurs.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th floor Map
Cost: $10-$15
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 15
Take the Mystery out of Finance
Program provides real-world examples and encourages ask questions you may have avoided asking previously. Learn the Five C’s: cash flow, collateral, capital, character and conditions, and 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 in advance, $20 at the door
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 16
How to Win Contracts and Become a Long-Term Sustainable Supplier
Learn how to stay current about how to compete in the corporate supply chain by differentiating your business from your competition.
When: 9-11a.m.
Place: Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $30.00
Register

~~~~~

Monday, May 21
Webinar: Joint Business Counseling: Sales & Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business
Session for established business owners seeking to grow their businesses through government and corporate contracting. Learn how to strategically plan your sales and marketing strategies in an online, interactive group counseling session.
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 23
Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganzas
Annual event brings together the business community for relationship-building opportunities featuring interactive presentations by Lillian Bjorseth and Jason Jacobsohn.
When: 5:50-8:45 p.m.
Place: The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker Drive Map
Cost: $55
Information/Registration

~~~~~

Thursday, May 24
White Board Challenge
Watch a contest where entrepreneurs get five minutes and a whiteboard with colored markets to present their business idea to a panel of their peers for up to $5,000 in cash prizes for their business.
When: 5:15-8:30 p.m.
Place: IBM Innovation Center, 71 S. Wacker Map
Cost: $10-$35
Register

~~~~~

Friday, May 25
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

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 6
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: JVS Chicago/ IL SBDC/Duman Entrepreneurship Center, 216 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 700 Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, June 7
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Installation Dinner
Incoming President Karina Zabicki DeHayes will detail the goals for her term and unveil her mission for the upcoming year, “Women and Men Partnering for Excellence.”
When: 4-8 p.m.
Place: The Hilton Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave. Map
Cost: $110-$125 (sponsorships available)
Information or call 312.341.8530

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 13
Entrepreneur Training Program
Eight-week course on developing your own business plan, learning how to start and run a business.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 502 Map
Cost: $150
Information or 773.995.3938

~~~~~

Thursday, June 14
The Business Event 2011
Join Jewish B2B Networking, Inc. and Small Business Advocacy Council for the 2nd annual small-business and job event. Over 100 vendors, 5,000 business networkers, over 30 employment recruiters, and prominent speakers.
When: 1-7 p.m.
Place: 3333 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood Map
Information

~~~~~

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

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 25
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

~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To add your event to Crain’s Small-biz Calendar, e-mail details to smallbizcalendar@gmail.com Connect with Crain’s via Facebook and Twitter. And stay on top of Chicago business with Crain’s free daily e-newsletters.

Related posts:

1. Small-biz calendar: A social-media boot camp, a Midwest energy forum, and more
2. A mobile-food meetup, a Big Ooga mixer and more
3. A data-protection ‘town hall,’ global trends that could boost your biz, and more
4. What do Google’s privacy policy changes mean to your small biz?
5. Marketing mixers, CityLights awards, a business-pitch competition, and more