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Para espa�ol, haqa clic aquiApril 2012
14th Annual Child Care Business Expo

 

Are you looking for new ideas to grow your child care business? Do you need expert advice in marketing your business? How about new educational tools to put you ahead of the game? Then you need the 14th Annual Child Care Business Expo! The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is proud to present the only business focused, child care specific Expo at a new location: UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL. The Expo, taking place on June 2, features an Exhibit Hall full of vendors capable of meeting your every child care business need - health-related, finance, furniture, supplies and more - over 60 booths!

 

This year's Expo, themed Shining a Light on the Business Side of Child Care, provides child care entrepreneurs access to creative solutions to today's business issues and to a much-needed network of resources and support.

 

Attendees learn from peers and top leaders in the business of child care. A few of the Expo highlights include:

  • Tom Copeland, nationally recognized expert on the business side of child care, will give the keynote presentation at the opening breakfast.
  • Speed Business Coaching sessions offer the opportunity to meet in small group settings with a variety of specialized business coaches.
  • The Model Family Child Care Business Office and PowerCorner Booths offer hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiences in technology, health and more.

The WBDC is also pleased to welcome Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle as honorary co-chairs for the Expo.

 

Award nominations for the Child Care Applause Awards are still open. Nominate an outstanding child care provider or advocate today! Self-nominations are accepted. Click here to submit your nomination.

 

Expo registration is now open! Register before May 15 to take advantage of early bird rates. For more details and to register, please click here. 

 

Develop Your Child Care Business 

 

The current session of the Developing Your Child Care Business workshop series is coming to a close.  Janice Lopez, associate director of Latina programs, answers some of the most frequently asked questions. Look for more answers in next quarter's newsletter

 

What are the frequent mistakes providers make when starting their daycare center?

One of the most frequent mistakes we have seen over the years has been lack of preparation. We strongly recommend that our clients take the time to develop a business plan. Through the business plan process you will be able to research and obtain information that will help you answer question such as what is the need in the area, who are my clients, how much should I charge, how much money do I need to start, what will make you different from your competitors etc...

Another mistake is lack of funding. Take the time to really cost out your start-up and operating expenses prior to committing to the project. Work with a counselor on Revenue Assumptions and Cashflow Projections.

 

How much of your personal assets should you use to start your center?

Typically when it comes to funding you should be prepared to invest 20 to 30% of your total project cost. This is in addition to collateral. 

 

Funder Spotlight: Turner Construction 

Four Reasons You Should Know the Turner Construction Company

 

The Chicago Turner Construction Company Foundation has been partnering with the WBDC for years, and this year, they are generously donating $10,000 to the 14th Annual Child Care Business Expo. Beyond their donation to the WBDC, here are four reasons we want you to know the Turner Construction Company.

  1. Commitment to diverse businesses: For the third year in a row they were named "DiversityBusiness.com's Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities." In fact, they have awarded more than $1 billion in contracts to minority and woman-owned subcontractors nationwide.
  2. Building for everyday life: From the hospital you may visit to civic centers across the state, Turner is providing facilities you and your business need.
  3. Focus on the future of our communities: Through their donation, Turner is fueling you, the child care provider, to gain valuable insights, opportunities and information to further your business at the Child Care Business Expo.
  4. Economic Development: Turner employs 5,000 individuals who work on over 1,200 projects a year. These jobs are an essential asset to every community they work in.

It is clear Turner Construction Company's values are aligned with the WBDC and our mission of increasing opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. The WBDC wants to personally thank Local Chicago Chair of the Grant Giving Committee, Conor Tighe, and Chief Operating Officer, John DiCiurcio. To learn more about the Turner Construction Company and their Foundation, please click here.

 

Speaker Spotlight: Tom Copeland 

 
3 Most Important Rules to Reduce your Taxes
3 Most Important Rules to Reduce your Taxes
 

We Want to Hear from You 

 

Do you live in one of the following neighborhoods:  Humboldt Park, West Humboldt Park, East Garfield Park, Fernwood, Lilydale, Princeton Park, Roseland, East Pilsen, Heart of Chicago, Heart of Italy, Little Village, Douglas Park, Lawndale, Homan Square or Marshall Square?  If so, we want to hear from you!  Contact Bethany Hartley at [email protected] with your name, business (if applicable) and what neighborhood you live in. 

Upcoming Event
April 12: Webinar: Goldman Sacks 10,000 Small Businesses at the City Colleges of Chicago. To register, click here.
 
Tax Tips:

Providers make sure your tax preparer is aware of changes as you file your 2011 tax returns.  To learn more, please click here. 

 

Advocacy:

Parent Talking Points:

Cuts Proposed to the Child Care Assistance Program

 

Illinois Action for Children's Child Care Works Campaign Fact Sheet

Online Resources for Child Care Providers 

 

Licensing by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

 

Illinois Action For Children

Business Counseling

Are you looking to start or expand your child care business?  Have questions regarding marketing, financials or general business management?


Take advantage of our one-on-one counseling services.  WBDC counselors work with clients on an individual basis to work through issues, discuss and develop strategies and enhance managerial skills.  To schedule your appointment today please call (312) 853-3477 x.0
 

Share Your Story 
 
Have the services of the WBDC contributed to your business' success?  If so, we want to hear from you!  For a chance to be featured in our next newsletter, please send your story to Jancie Lopez at [email protected] with the words "Success Story" in the subject line.  You may also send any applicable pictures or logos.  By submitting your story, the WBDC has the right to publish selected stories in each of its publications and on the WBDC website.

Are We Missing Something? 

 

If there's something you'd like to see in our next newsletter, let us know! Share your thoughts by sending them to Janice Lopez at [email protected]
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