Small Business Update: August 2025 |
| This edition of the GRCC's business newsletter is filled with informative events for your organization, helpful business resources, and new opportunities to stay engaged and connected with the community. | | Concerned about the de minimus tax exemption ending? Looking for a new commercial space? We're always here to help! Use the button above to start a conversation. | | 9/4, Know Your Rights Training Webinar | | In this webinar, organizers from HANA Center will lead us in a discussion of what your legal, constitutional rights are, as well as how to interact with ICE agents and police officers. This webinar is tailored to local business owners, leaders, and their employees. | | This webinar is FREE and will be presented in both English and Spanish. Advance registration is required to receive the meeting link, which will be shared via email prior to the workshop. 3-4pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info | | 9/24, Careers in Manufacturing Mixer | | Join us on Wednesday, September 24th at Dovetail Brewery for our second annual Careers in Manufacturing Mixer! This event is designed to connect local industry leaders with community members who are interested in a career in manufacturing. Our goal is to demystify local manufacturing, point job seekers towards resources and hiring companies, and inspire folks to reconsider how they view manufacturing in Chicago. | | There is no cost to participate and business representatives will receive a complimentary beverage from Dovetail, courtesy of the GRCC. 4-6pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave More Info | | 10/23, Estate Planning for Your Small Business | | Join us at Demo Brewing Company for a pint and a chat! Our partners at Erwin Law and Edward Jones will lead us in a discussion on the benefits of estate planning for small business owners. Whether you’re looking to gain knowledge or have questions about how to get started, this is a great opportunity to take action. | | With your registration, you’ll receive your first beverage from Demo Brewing (N/A options available). 2:30-3:30pm, FREE w/ RSVP More Info | | Marketing & Promotional Opportunities | | Ravenswood ArtWalk Sponsorship Opportunities | | Since 2001, The Ravenswood ArtWalk (RAW) Tour of Arts and Industry has provided a unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and manufacturing businesses while exploring the architectural history of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Explore the wide range of community and business sponsorships available below! | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact Director of Events & Marketing, Amy Czarkowski. | | Business Event Sponsorships | | | | The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is now seeking sponsors for upcoming business events through the end of 2025. Partner with us to showcase your brand, support local entrepreneurship, and connect with the vibrant Ravenswood business community! More Info | | Resources for Local Businesses | | GRCC Partners with Cook County Source for Small Businesses | | We're proud to announce our new partnership with Cook County Small Business Source, Cook County’s go-to network for small business support, connecting entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources to fuel growth and success at every stage of their journey. | |
Cook County Source is an award-winning program committed to working with POC-owned, women-owned, and micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees). Since its launch in 2020, Cook County Source has served over 28,000 small businesses and distributed over $67M in small business grant funds--and your business could be next!
Through our partnership with Cook County Source, we're connecting small businesses in the Ravenswood community with comprehensive, free-to-use tools designed to empower long-term success on every level.
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City of Chicago Launches Workforce Solutions Program
The Workforce Solutions Program is a reimbursement grant for up to $250,000 that can fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid.
City-wide applications are now open. To see if your business or organization is eligible, please visit the program's website.
| | If you need any assistance with your application or would like more information, feel free to contact Director of Business Services, Christina Pecce, directly. | | Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday and Friday. | | |
8/22, Cash Flow & Confidence: Budgeting for Your Business and Life
Explore practical strategies to take control of your money, build stability and make confident business decisions. Learn how to put together a budget for your personal finances understand your budget and what your annual expenses are and how to calculate how much you need to make before you quit your day job and work full-time in your own business. Friday, August 22nd at 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info.
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8/27, Chicago Business Licensing: Home Based Business
Thinking about launching a home-based business in Chicago? We’ll walk you through the steps to apply for your business license, explain key zoning and home occupation rules, and help you understand what to expect during the review process. Wednesday, August 27th at 3pm on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info.
View more upcoming City workshops.
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Cook County Small Business Source offers frequent in-person and virtual workshops covering a range of topics for small business owners.
9/23, Increasing Sales
Join A4CB’s next free coaching webinar for tips on how to increase your sales. In this webinar, A4CB Director of Coaching Rowan Richards will cover topics including building brand loyalty, testing and improving products, recognizing customer needs, retaining customers, and more. 11:00am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info
View more upcoming Cook County Source workshops.
| | GRCC Member Health Insurance Program | | Did you know the GRCC launched a small business health insurance co-operative in 2018 to help members access affordable, comprehensive coverage in a challenging healthcare market? Participation is available to all members, regardless of geography, that meet basic eligibility requirements. More Info | | | Free Legal Services for Entrepreneurs | | The 47th Ward is excited to share a new legal aid initiative designed to support low-income small business owners in Chicago. LANE provides free transactional legal services to help local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses on strong legal footing. Read More | | | 47th Ward Small Business Spotlight | | | | The 47th Ward Office has added a new section in the newsletter dedicated to uplifting small businesses in the ward. Using a simple online form, you can have your business featured in their newsletter and social media. More Info | | Are You Hiring? Let Us Help You Reach Locals | | Many of our members are hiring, and our job board is getting more views than ever! Members can add job postings directly by logging into the membership portal. You're also welcome to email Grace, GRCC's Outreach Coordinator, directly for assistance creating a listing. | | | | | |
