Call ICNC at 312-421-3941 for more information or to RSVP for ICNC events listed here.
Kinzie Corridor news
ICNC holiday party
December 10
Save the date! ICNC's holiday party is one of our companies' favorite events. Meet your neighbors and fellow business owners over drinks and appetizers in the Garfield Park Conservatory. The lush surroundings of the conservatory are always impressive, but when decorated with lights for the holidays they are magical. Special thanks to event sponsor American Chartered Bank and to Goose Island Beer Company for drinks. This is a free event, but please RSVP to Sallie or call 312-421-3941. 
Thursday, December 10, 2009
5-7:30 p.m.
300 N. Central Park Avenue (free parking in lot)
Special thanks to event sponsor
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 event is free, but please RSVP to Andrew at 312-421-3941 or [email protected].
Starting a business in IllinoisWednesday, November 18
 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, November 18 from 9 AM-11AM. Please RSVP to Denise by email at [email protected] or by phone at 312.421.3941.
ICNC member-to-member discount program active!
Save money and shop locally!
One of the best parts of ICNC membership is finding local sources for goods and services and selling your products or services to your neighbors. Check out the member to member discount page of ICNC's website to take advantage of deals on food, office supplies, and even fitness. Email Steve with your company logo and a description of your discount if you'd like to participate in the program. This program is only open to current ICNC members.
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.
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. We can even do a "computers 101" class for complete beginners. Register for clases on ICNC's website 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
Two programs can help ICNC area companies get from 50-100% reimbursement for employee training costs. The City of Chicago's TIFWorks program is available for companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor Tax Increment Financing District, and the State of Illinois' Employee Training Investment Program is for companies throughout the state. Call ICNC for assistance with these and other programs. We'll help make sure more of your tax dollars come back to the neighborhood.
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.
Need Workers? NLC students want to help!
Do you need help cleaning, stocking, moving or mailing? Northside Learning Center (NLC) students are eager to work for you! NLC is a Chicago Public high school that provides students with moderate disabilities with life skills and vocational experiences within the community. Students ages 17-21 are seeking jobs for short-term and part-time positions. If hired, students receive the support of a job coach to ensure their success in your business. Did you know that hiring individuals with disabilities for your small business qualifies you for a work opportunity tax credit? Northside Learning Center is looking forward to partnering with you! For more information and dependable workers, contact Robin Taxman: (773)534-5180 or [email protected].
Classifieds
Space available at ICNC's Fulton Carroll Center
Check ICNC's website for low-cost incubator space with free business assistance and resources. 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. |
