Kinzie Corridor news
Starting a business in Illinois
Wednesday, October 21
 This free seminar targets individuals interested in self employment. It provides information on how to start a small business, the basics of writing a business plan, how to register your business, and other business start-up procedures. Wednesday, October 21st from 9 AM-11AM. Please RSVP to Denise by email at [email protected] or by phone at 312.433.2373.
ICNC/WLFM Listening Party at Coalfire
Thursday, November 12 Wondering where to find Smooth Jazz on your Chicago radio dial? Longing to discover why everyone's saying Coalfire Pizza is so special? Just want to have a couple of after work beers with your fellow ICNC members? If you answered yes to any of these burning questions, than you should definitely attend our ICNC/WLFM listening party at Coalfire Pizza, Thursday, November 12 at 1321 W. Grand Ave. from 4-6 pm. Have a beer, listen to Chicago's new smooth jazz radio station and sample what many have said to be the best pizza in the city! This is a private ICNC event so you MUST rsvp to [email protected] or by calling 312-421-3941.Hope to see you there!
Market your company with local businesses
ICNC launching online member-to-member discount program , coupon book
ICNC member companies routinely offer discounts to one another to promote their businesses and to strengthen the neighborhood economy. ICNC is constructing a member-to-member discount webpage and coupon book to facilitate local purchasing. Just send ICNC your company logo and a description of what discount you'd like to offer and we'll help you market your business.
City no longer mails business license renewal notices
Don't wait for the City to send out renewals for business licenses. Since they switched to two-year terms and made online renewals available for most businesses, it's the responsibility of the business owner to renew on time. If you don't, you risk a citation the next time an inspector comes through.
Guest column: Tax tips
ICNC member Judith Gabeau, an attorney and CPA, doesn't want you to get surprised by the tax collectors. She's put together a tip sheet for small and growing businesses on what to do to keep up with the IRS's requirements.
Taxes are one of the most important issues facing small and growing businesses. Business owners need to be sure that they are meeting all of their responsibilities to the IRS as well looking for opportunities to reduce their taxes. These tax tips will benefit greatly a business owner: Read the rest of the article
Looking for Alternative Sources of Finance?
ICNC has re-invigorated its Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. Businesses located in the Kinzie Corridor can apply for amounts up to $12,500. The range of interest rates is Prime -1.00% to Prime + 5% with a maximum term of
36 months. For more information please contact Denise by phone at
312.421.3941 or email [email protected].
Free computer classes at ICNC -- evenings, too!
We've added many new free classes, and you can even come after work if that's best for your schedule. Now you or your employees can get the most out of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Photoshop, ACT! or Quickbooks. See the ICNC site for class schedules or call Sallie at ICNC to request a new class.
Cut employee hiring costs with ICNC
Stronger recruitment program helps companies more than ever
One of ICNC's most in-demand programs is now even better. If you need to hire a new employee, ICNC can help you from start to finish. We:
- advertise where job seekers look
- screen resumes
- conduct background and reference checks
- interview promising candidates
And it's all at no cost. You just meet the candidates that are pre-screened and qualified so you can choose from the best. Save time and money with ICNC's hiring service. Call or email Priscilla to get started.
ICNC helped member Whitfield Security Services hire 34 people when the company won new contracts. Owner Oscar Whitfield wrote to say that without ICNC, "We would not have been able to hire the people that we have."
Join ICNC in 2009 -- members, check your listing!
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.
"No trespassing" signs free to businesses
The 13th District Chicago Police have made a limited number of metal "No loitering or trespassing" signs available to local businesses. The posting of these signs can deter trespassing and serves as notification that anyone arrested for tresspassing on your property was warned against doing so. Call Steve at ICNC for a sign.
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.
Other events
Kinzie Corridor Artswalk 2009: October 10 12-8 p.m.
Local artists are to be spotlighted at a day-long art walk followed by concerts and an auction to benefit Arts of Life, which works with developmentally-disabled adults. You'll be surprised at the amount and quality of art produced right here in the Kinzie Corridor, as local artists open their doors to visitors. Special performance by ICNC tenant Aloft's aerial artists. Get more information about participating in or just coming to the event at the Website.
Unemployment Insurance: Thursday, October 22
IDES is hosting an employer workshop entitled "Unemployment Insurance--Meeting Business Needs". This workshop will provide information on Unemployment Insurance along with Veterans Programs, How to Receive Tax Credits for New Hires, Illinois Skills Match, TaxNet, IDES Off-site Recruitment Facilities/Services, Illinois Labor Market Information and Re-entry Employment Services Program. The forum will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 9:00 am to Noon -- or 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the IDES Harvey Office, 16845 South Halsted Street, Harvey, IL. To register, contact Tina Salgado at (708) 596-2325 x237, or via email at [email protected]. BusinessKillers: Thursday, October 15, 3:30 p.m.
ICNC member Cari Murray, president and CEO of Mellish & Murray, wants local companies to know about how they can avoid the mistakes that kill businesses. She's president of the UIC Family Business Council, whose Business Killers educational program teaches business owners how to avoid common, dangerous mistakes in business valuation, succession planning, and other areas. The workshop is at the Chicago History Museum, and $115 includes dinner; get more information or register here.
Profitable Manufacturing Growth: Thursday, October 29
Learn from turnaround management expert Mike Collins how manufacturers can evaluate their industry and competetive position, then decide on strategies in terms of growth potential and cost. Workshop sponsored by the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing, the Jane Addams Resource Corporation, and the Chicago Manufacturing Center. $50, register or get more information here.
Time management and personal effectiveness: Friday, October 16
From conflict to collaboration: Friday, October 30
ICNC member Carroll-Keller Group is offering fellow ICNC members a $50 dollar discount on either or both of two upcoming all-day workshops. The first is designed to help you manage the multiple demands on your time and deliver effective results, and the second lets you practice and refine your communication skills to manage and even benefit from situations that cause problems for many managers. $175 for ICNC members, $225 for others. See the full list of upcoming trainings and get more information at their website.
Classifieds
Calling all students for CPR, Spanish, German
Various ICNC companies are getting ready to undertake training in CPR or foreign languages. If you would like to attend or send employees, these companies are willing to partner with others. E-mail [email protected] for the German classes or call Steve at ICNC to find out about Spanish or CPR. 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
- 4,000 square feet at 3028 W Carroll; ground floor with 16-ft ceilings, 2 overhead doors. New electric (400 amp 3-phase). $2,500/month, zoned M1-2. Call Terry at 312-428-1192. Live/work space (700 sf apartment w/1,900 sf of warehouse/garage space) also available at 3026 W Carroll.
- 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. Click here for details, or call Jason at 312-243-3624.
Free styrofoam coolers
Various sizes. Call T. J. Hine at 312-829-7107.
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. |
