City Offers Free Business Services to Small Business Owners In Celebration of Small Business Week

In recognition of Small Business Week, the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Licensing (DBA) for the first time will provide free one-on-one business services to Chicago small business owners at City Hall.

Existing and emerging business owners can't miss this first-time opportunity.  Starting and operating a business consists of several steps that can seem daunting to a small business owner.  That is why DBA is partnering with key business organizations, corporate partners and universities to provide free resources that can help businesses start-up, grow and succeed.

In celebration of Small Business Week, which traditionally takes place the last week of June throughout Illinois, the City's DBA will provide free resources consisting of Financial Services/Loan Packaging, Business Counseling and Planning, Legal Business Advice (legal business structures, etc.), and "Doing Business with he City"/Procurement Opportunities.

Free business services will be provided from June 25th through June 29th at DBA's City Hall Office, 121 N. LaSalle Street, on the 8th Floor for 3 hours - from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The schedule is as follows:

Monday, June 25th - Business Financial Services
Participating banks, business organizations, City departments and the City Treasurer will provide information on financial services and programs. Participating banks will also provide loan packaging tips, business loan options, and business investment information.

Tuesday, June 26 - Business Counseling
SBA/SCORE Counselors will provide information and services relating to the essentials of starting a business, developing business plans and marketing plans, business idea guidance, and/or steps for a successful import/export business.

Wednesday, June 27 - No services will be offered at the City's DBA 
DBA is supporting the Small Business Administration 2007 Small Business Week Awards, Training and Procurement Matchmaking Conference being held at Navy Pier. Business owners can attend workshops and obtain important business information and resources.  For more information about SBA's conference, go to www.smallbusinessweek2007.com

Thursday, June 28 - Business Legal Advice
Participating law firms and universities will provide information, guidance and legal tips related to building a business legal entity, legal protection for small businesses, intellectual property advice, business ownership advice, and protecting your non-profit organization.

Friday, June 29 - Government Procurement Opportunities
Anyone interested in doing business with the city will have several city/government agencies to speak to.  Government representatives will provide information on the certification process and contract opportunities with agencies like the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and the Chicago Housing Authority.

Anyone interested in one-on-one assistance can schedule an appointment by calling 312-744-5504.   For additional information, interested parties can visit DBA's website at www.cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs.