2009 Small Business Expo Workshop Presentations

Session 1 (9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.)

A. Managing your Bank Relationship in Tough Times - Session-1A.pdf
Learn how the current economic and regulatory climate affects the 5Cs of Credit. Get tips on how to work with your banker to get the most from your bank relationship. Charlene Soby, VicePresident, Northern Trust

B. Youth Entrepreneurship Competition (starting at 8:30 a.m.)
Semi-Finalists from the Chicago Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship program compete for venture grants to support their small businesses. Sponsored by JP Morgan Chase

C. Tax Credits and Tax Info - Session-1C.pdf
Yolanda Ruiz, IRS

 

D. How to do business with State and County, Part 1 - Session-1D.pdf
Learn how the purchasing process works for the State and County. Kathleeen Bishop, Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; Carmen Trish-Colvin, Cook County Purchasing Department

E. Como Escribir El Plan de Negocio
Busca obtener éxito en su negocio? El primer paso es desarrollar un plan empresarial. Aprenda componentes importantes qué banqueros e inversionistas están buscando. Maria Lopez, Women’s Business Development Center

Session 2 (10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.)

A. How to Avoid Failure Thinking - Session-2A.ppt
Commit yourself to the “Failure Is Not An Option” mindset. Learn 10 proven tips that will help keep your mind and mission on track to avoid the failure trap. Neil Anderson, Founder/President, The Courage Group, Inc.

B. Legal and Regulatory Changes Affecting Small Business - Session-2B.pdf
Understand the complex and ever changing road for legal and regulatory requirements for a small business. This fast paced workshop will highlight required controls that your business must have in place. Lisa DuBrock and Sally Smoczynski, Partners of Radian Compliance

C. Credit Availability and the Stimulus Package
Learn about current financial markets and how the stimulus package can help your small business. Morgan Wise, IRS; Stephen Konya, Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

D. How to do business with the City of Chicago, Part 2
Shannon Andrews,  Dept of Procurement; Jorge Perez, Dept of Aviation; Gilbert Rabin, Chicago Public Schools;

E. Mantenga su Negocio Aprovechando los Créditos de Impuesto
Aprenda puntos importantes en su negocio que le indiquen la salud del mismo y lo que necesita saber para maximizar sus deducciones, provisiones y benefícios de impuesto para su  negocio. Erik Consuegra, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce;  Yolanda Ruiz, IRS

Session 3 (11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)

A. Business Plan: The Lifeline of Your Success - Session-3A.ppt
Learn how to create a business plan that will work to your advantage through all the stages of your business. Hans Bonner, Chicago Community Ventures

B. Why Publicity Matters - Session-3B.ppt
Learn the ABC’s of publicity and how smart marketing can boost your sales. Neil Anderson, Founder/President, The Courage Group, Inc

C. Access to Capital and Financing your Business - Session-3C.pdf & Session-3C_ILStateTrsr.pdf
Gain an expanded knowledge of financial incentives offered by federal, state, and local organizations. Robert Esquivel, SBA; Debbie Myers- Martin, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office; Nitika N. Chauhan, ACCION Chicago; Derek Walvoord, SomerCor

D. Navigating City Hall: Certification & Licensing
This workshop will walk you through the steps of obtaining your business license, inspections and how to navigate the various departments involved with making your business operate successfully. Rosa Escareño, Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection

E. Finanzas Alternativas para Negocios Pequeños - Session-3E.ppt
Necesita financiamiento para comenzar o expandir su negocio? Asista a este taller para aprender sobre opciones alternativas en esta economía Priscilla Cordero, ACCION Chicago

Session 4 (12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.)

A. Change your Finances in 2009 - Session-4A.pdf
Learn the tested and proven strategies to obtain and maintain maximum success in your business and personal finances. Ed Sanchez, Principal Fresh Start Forms, LLC

B. Healthcare Planning for Small Business
Control your health benefit costs by learning how to choose a healthcare plan for you and your employees. Jose M. Muñoz, Aetna

C. Sustaining your Business
Find out how to finance your business in a credit challenged environment. Dr. Shanaveon Pious, Entrepreneurs University

D. Business Plan Competition Winners
Meet the 2009 winners and learn their secrets of success. Be ready to start working on your business plan for next year’s competition. Manjima Bose, Chicago Community Ventures

E. Usando Mercadotecnía para Crecer su NegocioAprenda estrategías efectivas de la mercadotecnía para lograr efectivas presentaciones  de sus productos y servicios el cual ayudará a crecer sus ventas y ganancias. Juan Calahorrano, HACIA

Session 5 (1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.)

A. Why There is No Better Time than Now to Start an Internet Company - Session-5A.ppt
Learn what it takes to start an Internet technology company and persevere through times of adversity. Brad Spirrison, Founder of     MidwestBusiness.com, eXtreme Networking & MyCampFriends.com

B. Market Analysis and Customer Research: Getting it Right! - Session-5B.pptx
Find out what essential tools Fortune 500 companies use to analyze their markets and determine the best courses of action to take to improve sales and profitability. David Joe, Chairman, Elite Business Solutions Worldwide

C. Answering your Small Business Accounting Needs - Session-5C.pdf
Learn the different accounting systems available and learn to choose one that fits your needs. Richard Allen, Past President, Independent Accountants Association of Illinois

D. Challenges for Small Business Owners
Small business owners share their experiences with marketing, financial management, and keeping their businesses profitable. Susan Beacham & Michael Beacham, Money Savvy Generation; Cindy Richards, Editor TravelingMom.com; Irwin Ross, SCORE

E. Reclame su Presupuesto - Session-5E.pdf
Aprenda las estrategias aprovadas para mantener éxito en sus finanzas personales y de negocios. Ed Sanchez, Principal Fresh Start Forms, LLC

Session 6 (2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.)

A. Growing your Business through Employee Commitment
In today’s economy the ability to grow your business depends on the commitment of you and your team. Know when to downsize and restructure to achieve business objectives. Julius Rhodes, Founder & Principal, mpr Group

B. Legal Concerns of Small Business Owners - Session-6B.ppt
Learn about key legal issues affecting small business, including choosing the right business entity, registering trademarks and copyrights, and negotiating key contract provisions. Daliah Saper, Saper Law Offices

C. Handling Credit Problems
Learn how to legally correct errors on your credit report and improve your credit score, including dealing with collections and debt repayment. Carmen Jimenez, Heartland Alliance

D. Alternative Financing –Looking for Funding in all the Right Places - Session-6D.pdf
Looking for financing to start or expand operations? Learn more than a dozen ways to finance your business. Donna Rockin, IL SBDC/ Duman Micro Center

E. Certificaciones, Licensias de Negocio y Oportunidades de Adquisición
Quiere convertir su idea en un negocio exitoso?  Aprenda pasos importantes para emprender su negocio, obtener una licensia de negocio y como el municipio le puede ayudar a nevegar el proceso. Rosa Escareño, Dept of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection;  Gerardo Rodriguez, IL Procurement Technical Assistant Center