Nearwest  News
In This Issue
Holiday Party
Tax Seminar
$$ Back for Training
Membership Directory
Member Spotlight
Incubator Space
Training for Women
Need Help Hiring?
Development Opps
Member News
What You Missed
Quick Links
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                November 2015      
ICNC Holiday Party
Join ICNC for our end-of-the year celebration at the Garfield Park Conservatory. ICNC's holiday party is our largest and most popular event. After working hard all year, take some time to meet your neighbors and fellow business owners over drinks and appetizers. 
Photos courtesy of REP3 Photography


Thursday, December 10
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory - 300 N. Central Park Ave.
RSVP required.
    Thanks to our sponsor:
 
Lunch and Learn: Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can help reduce your tax bill, leaving you with more money to meet other financial obligations and to pursue your goals. Learn how to implement a robust tax plan for the end of this year and going into 2016. The presentation will include taking advantage of deferring income, accelerating deductible expenses, increasing tax credits, taking advantage of various types of depreciation expenses, and implementing employee benefits - all with the ultimate goal of lowering your taxes. 
 
Thursday, December 3
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: ICNC - 320 N. Damen Ave.
Register hereLunch will be provided.

 Thanks to our sponsor:   
Employee Training Reimbursements Return to ICNC
ICNC has recently received funds through TIFWorks 50/50, an employee training reimbursement program issued by the City of Chicago. Funds will be available starting January 1, 2016. Applicants must be located within the Kinzie Industrial TIF boundaries. All training must be pre-approved by the City. Stay tuned for more information.  For more information, contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].
New Online Member Directory!
ICNC has revamped its online member directory! You can search an extensive list of member companies on ICNC's website to find products and services to fit your company's needs. Directory profiles feature business descriptions, product photos, and member-to-member deals. If you are a member who would like to set up your directory profile to market your business, please refer to the email sent to you directly for step-by-step directions. For more information, contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].
Member Spotlight: ShipBob
Founded in 2014, ShipBob is a shipping and logistics company that uses technology to ship and automate fulfillment. Their smartphone application allows users to ship items by a simple click of their phone camera. It enables users to take photos of the items that they want to ship and connects them to a "ship captain" that will pick-up, professionally pack, and ship their product. Their on-demand service saves time and money.

ShipBob met their first 100 customers literally standing outside of the post office and letting people know that there is a simpler and more efficient way to ship with ShipBob. Since then, they have grown significantly and optimized parcel logistics for small businesses, startups, and crowdfunded campaigns. Click here to read more about their story.
Featured Incubator Space
A rare incubator space with a private bathroom and kitchen has recently become available. This 1,190 square feet space provides additional convenience for employees and clients. To inquire about this space or to view other available spaces, click here.


EMT Training for Women
ICNC is still recruiting for our 2016 Emergency Medical Technician training course. The Eleanor Network at Chicago Foundation for Women funds this seven-month program that provides opportunities for low-income working women that lead to living-wage jobs with benefits and clear pathways for career advancement. To learn more and to apply, click here.
Do You Need Help Hiring?
As a small business owner managing your day-to-day operations, you may not have the time to post an ad, screen resumes, or call people in for interviews. ICNC can do this for you and more. For more information, contact Nancy Kramer at [email protected]
Professional Development Opportunities      
10,000 Small Businesses:  Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a no-cost program that provides business owners with practical business education, a supportive network of advisors and peers, and access to capital. Through the program, owners will receive the tools and support to develop a customized growth plan to take the business to the next level. For more information and to apply, click here

Business Workshops: The Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) offers workshops every Wednesday and Friday. Workshops vary each month and are conducted by City Officials, experts, and partner business organizations. All workshops are free and open to the public. To view the business workshop calendar, click here.
Member Announcements and News
Das Foods - An ICNC incubator gourmet food business is for sale. After nine great years in business, the owner is moving out of state. Financial statements are available upon request. Please contact the owner (Katie) at 224-715-9289 or [email protected].

Modern Sprout - ICNC incubator company Modern Sprout made the 2015 list of Oprah's Favorite Things. Their Garden Jar Three-Pack: Herb Essentials is a vintage-inspired mason jar containing a self-watering hydroponic system to grow herbs indoors. It makes a great gift. Click here to read all about it.

Y Line Product Development - ICNC incubator company Y Line is offering the ICNC community a discount on the Goose, a gourmet kitchen tool that let's you scramble an egg inside of the shell. Give it as a fun gift item this holiday season. Go to www.GooseGadgets.com and checkout with the Coupon Code ICNCDISCOUNT60 to save 60%. Use 'Pick-up' as your shipping selection and stop on by F-260. 
In Case You Missed It...
Thank you to all who attended the October Lean Manufacturing Lunch and Learn. Presenters Amy Clary and John Bradarich from Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center  (IMEC) provided a closer look at the improvement models that can support your organization's top and bottom line growth. For those that were not able to attend, click here for a copy of the presentation.

Thank you to all who attended the October Financial Management for Future Lending Lunch and Learn. Presenter Lars Skarie from Wintrust Bank provided insight as to how to best prepare your business for financing in the future,  the importance of record keeping and how this will help your business prepare for growth. For those that were not able to attend, click here for a copy of the presentation. 

Thank you to all who attended the November Food Forward seminar. Representatives from the Specialty Food Association (SFA) provided new industry trends and marketing strategies to new and emerging food entrepreneurs. For those that were not able to attend, click here for a copy of the presentation.
ICNC Incubator Space Available      
Enjoy competitive rent, a thriving entrepreneurial environment, and immediate access to ICNC's services. 
Click here to view more available spaces.Space
For more info call 312-421-3941 or email [email protected]