Dear Kinzie Corridor business owner
Call 312-421-3941 today to RSVP for these upcoming ICNC events
Things to do now:
Apply for up to $150,000 in grant money
Deadline Monday, July 6
Monday is the last day local companies can apply for Small Business Improvement Fund grants. These grants reimburse eligible companies for up to 50% (maximum of $150,000) in building improvements. Companies must be in the Kinzie Corridor TIF district and meet certain size or sales eligibility limits. Companies which rent space can even apply -- including ICNC tenants at the Fulton Carroll Center. Click here to read about the grant or download application materials, or call ICNC for assistance.
Get employee training expenses reimbursed
ICNC has the new 2009 application for reimbursement of up to half of what you spend on employee training for subjects including software, safety, production, and other skills (almost everything except sales). This money comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and is not difficult to apply for. Access the forms here and call ICNC with any questions.
Reserve your ComEd rebate money for energy efficiency improvements
ComEd business customers may be eligible for incentives for reducing their energy costs. Installing better lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, or motors could get you some money back. The program opens June 1, and the funds are limited, so apply now. Help with how to cut down on energy costs is also available. Go to www.ComEd.com/Bizincentives or call 1-888-806-2273 for details.
ICNC events
Meeting with 13th District Police
July 15
Meet with officers from the 13th District of the Chicago Police Department to discuss any concerns with neighborhood safety or crime, and to hear updates from the officers on recent activity. Wednesday, July 15 from 2-3 p.m. at ICNC. Free; RSVP or call Sallie at 312.433.2373.
Zoning for special events
July 22
ICNC area companies frequently ask about whether it's OK to use facilities in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor for client events, parties, classes, and other large gatherings: How many people can I have? Can I serve liquor? Can I charge admission? Is there a limit to how many times per year it's OK? What permits do I need? An official from the City's Department of Zoning will talk about the rules and answer your questions. Wednesday, July 22 from 9-10:30 a.m. at ICNC. Free; RSVP or call Steve at ICNC.
Leveraging Web technology to increase sales
July 29
Manufacturing companies employ a variety of channels to sell products and services to customers. Learn several common online opportunities and challenges for manufacturing companies. This seminar will briefly address three areas of particular relevance: selling directly to end customers through online marketing and e-commerce, empowering sales representatives and distributors through web-based tools, and connecting with existing customers to retain, cross-sell, and target product development. Wednesday, July 29 from 9-10:30 a.m. at ICNC. Free; RSVP or call Denise at ICNC. Free computer classes at ICNC
We've added many new free classes. Now you or your employees can get the most out of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Photoshop or ACT! with these popular free classes right here at ICNC's computer training center. Each class is two days of instruction from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and Thursday. Call Sallie at ICNC to arrange dates.
New: Quickbooks classes run every Friday in July, 9-11 a.m.
- July 10 -- How to start with Quickbooks
- July 17 -- Accounts and payments
- July 24 -- Payroll
- July 31 -- Generating and analyzing financial reports
Call Sallie at ICNC to register for any computer classes.
Kinzie corridor news
Join ICNC in 2009
If you're not already a member of ICNC, we want you! It's only through the strength of our membership that we're able to advocate for City services, get incentive money for local companies, and provide business assistance like employee recruitment and computer classes. Membership is an affordable $75-$300 for the year, and in addition to all our services, it gets your business listed on our website. Join or renew now or call Steve at 312-421-3941 to discuss membership.
SBA introduces new, revised loans
The SBA has introduced a new $35,000 loan especially to help struggling businesses with cash flow. The ARC loan is a free, no-interest, 100% SBA-guaranteed product available to existing small businesses. The SBA has also expanded its 504 real estate loan to include some refinancing scenarios. Call Denise Ching at ICNC for assistance or see www.sba.gov for more information.
Let ICNC fill your open jobs at no cost
ICNC can find the employees you need. Let us recruit and interview and then we'll send the best candidates to you so you save time and money. Do you need a shipping clerk? Customer service rep? Driver? We have qualified candidates right now. We'll also do a criminal background check and contact references, all at no cost to you. You can place a job order online on ICNC's website, or contact Priscilla at 312-421-3941 or at [email protected].
Controlling your health insurance costs
The boards of NORBIC/Alliance and ICNC have commissioned a study to help their members have a new option to control health insurance costs. The program will use a captive insurance arrangement that will allow members access to their health insurance claims data as well as obtain money back from their insurance program if their plan runs well. If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact Mitchell Andrews of The Plexus Groupe at 847-307-6100 to learn more about this unique opportunity.
Other events
Green Music Fest
August 15 and 16
The West Town Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chicago are hosting a weekend music festival and seeking "green" vendors. If this is you, it's a great way to meet potential customers in a fun atmosphere. Deadline for vendor applications is June 30. See the website for more details.
SBDC Business spotlight
Amazing Edibles
Looking for a full service caterer to provide breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner for all  your corporate catering needs? ICNC highly recommends Amazing Edibles.
From high level board meetings to holiday
parties or even an employee BBQ,
Amazing Edibles does it all! For over 15 years Amazing Edibles staff have proven themselves to be friendly, efficient, talented and on time. That's why Amazing Edibles is our recommendation for your first choice when planning your next event!
Need a client testimonial? Just ask any of the more than 150 attendees at the ICNC February Luncheon. The food and service Amazing Edibles provided received rave reviews and ICNC was delighted by the total experience. Plus, ask them about a discount for ICNC members and newsletter subscribers! For more information call Amazing Edibles at 312.563.1600 and checkout their website at www.amazingediblescatering.com to find menus, client testimonials, pictures of their delicious food and more! Classifieds
Space available at ICNC's Fulton Carroll Center
Check ICNC's website if you'd like to rent space with us. We also keep a list of neighborhood properties for sale or lease. Let us know if you have something you'd like included on the list.
Other local space available
- ICNC member just west of Western Avenue has partitioned spaces of less than 900 square feet for office, warehouse, or light production at $10/sf with all utilies included. 24 hr. access, inside dock. Call Mike Fratamico at 312-243-3624 for details.
- 32,348 s.f. with parking at 401 N. Ogden, $6.50/s.f. available immediately. Call 773-486-3330 for details.
Clean 55 gallon plastic drums: $10-15 each
ICNC member has about six drums monthly for pick up. Call 312-421-4747.
Free styrofoam coolers
Various sizes. Call T. J. Hine at 312-829-7107.
Free packing material
ICNC tenant has consistent supply of used bubble wrap, foam peanuts, styrofoam sheets/boxes and other material. Free. Call Garrett at 773-655-0779.
For more information about any of these events contact ICNC at 312-421-3941 or by e-mail at [email protected].
ICNC is located on the second floor of the Fulton Carrol Center, 2010 W. Fulton St., Ste. 280, Chicago, IL 60612. |
