 From the Desk of:
Bernita Johnson-Gabriel, Executive Vice President,
Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives
World Business Chicago
ChiBizHub Familia,
With over 14,000 Latinx-owned small businesses across the city, there is no doubt that Latinx entrepreneurs are making a significant economic impact in Chicago every day. In celebration of national Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), we are pleased to highlight the efforts of a Latinx organization and a Latinx-owned business serving what is now the largest ethnic group in Chicago. Also, in response to this growing market, ChiBizHub now produces and translates informational content in Spanish, meeting businesses where they are and supporting their growth and success. To access Spanish content, visit chibizhub.com as well as our ChiBizHub Youtube channel.
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), led by President and Chief Executive Officer, Jaime di Paulo, is the largest community of Hispanic business owners across Illinois and the Midwest, representing more than 100,000 businesses. Since COVID-19, IHCC has assisted roughly 7,000 businesses through various technical assistance programs and initiatives, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), securing a total of 12 million dollars to date. Working long hours to achieve results, the IHCC staff personifies the definition of commitment to community by supporting small businesses in their greatest time of need. See our featured video spotlight below.
Back of the Yards Coffee Co.
Back of the Yards Coffee Co. is the first Latinx and woman owned coffeehouse on Chicago’s southwest side. Mayra Hernandez and Jesse Iñiguez are both lifelong residents and community advocates of the Back of the Yards neighborhood. In the below video you'll find Jesse sharing their entrepreneurial journey, including the ability to grow their business and support a social impact fund.
Resources
Don’t forget to visit our COVID-19 resource page for up-to-date information about resources and support available to help you sustain and scale your business. You will also find a series of ChiBizHub Conversations in English and in Spanish. Recent topics include identifying the right location and customer base, employee protection, financial planning and more.
Stay safe and healthy! #wearyourmask #TogetherAgainstCovid19
Bernita
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Looking for online classes & events? Look no further.
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Jaime di Paulo Zozaya, President and CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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ChiBizHub connected with Jaime di Paulo Zozaya to discuss the work of the IHCC, Hispanic Heritage Month and the IHCC's Small Business Expo this fall.
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Jesse Iñiguez, Co-owner and Director of Operations, Back of the Yards Coffee Co.
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Earlier this month, Kendra and Jazmin joined Jesse Iñiguez for a virtual conversation on Jesse's entrepreneurial journey. Jesse also shares insight on the challenges and opportunities with owning a small business during a pandemic.
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Chicago Funding Opportunities Available Now
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Apply for the Polsky Center's Small Business Growth Program
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Overview:
In partnership with JPMorgan Chase and the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement, the Polsky Small Business Growth Program pairs teams of highly-skilled University of Chicago students with small business owners located in the South and West Side of Chicago. These businesses receive hands-on consulting support aimed at addressing specific business challenges and determining new strategies for growth.
Benefits of Participating:
As clients, business owners receive free consulting services from teams of student consultants, supervised by Chicago Booth faculty. This work will be organized into a three-month engagement that includes in depth research and analysis, regular touch points between client and team, and the development of a final report. Clients will also receive complimentary access to the Polsky Center’s 34,000 square foot co-working facility and its resources.
Who Should Apply?
Companies that have been in business for at least one year and have annual revenue exceeding $150,000 are eligible to apply. Preference will be given for minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned small businesses that are located on the South and West Side of Chicago. Owners seeking to grow their business, either in terms of increasing revenue or entering new markets are encouraged to apply.
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Facebook Launches New Features to Support Latinx Small Business Owners
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Today Facebook announced the launch of new features across their apps, to provide resources and support for Latinx small business owners, adding new content on Facebook Watch to highlight voices of the Latinx community and more.
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Ascend's Network Small Busienss Playbook
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If you haven't yet, we recommend you check out Ascend's Network Small Business Playbook! It contains information for businesses on how to stay competitive during this time.
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Apply for the Women's Business Development Center's ScaleUp Program
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ScaleUp is an award winning multi-week cohort-based program that is designed to assist established, Chicagoland businesses that are experiencing sustainability issues due to COVID-19. ScaleUp equips entrepreneurs with business knowledge, financial tools, resources, and networks necessary to maintain profitable businesses that retain and create jobs, fuel economic growth and build strong communities.
To be considered for acceptance into ScaleUp, you must be in business for at least two years, have at least two employees, have revenue of at least $50,000 (in 2019), and are working on your business full time.
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SHOP LOCAL & SUPPORT SMALL
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Add Your Business to 37 Oaks' Master Small Business List!
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A NOTE TO OUR RESOURCE PROVIDERS
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ChiBizHub averages 1,000 visitors monthly! Take a moment to add your events and online workshops to our calendar.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH CHIBIZHUB
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