Activating Business Potential in
Chicago's Southwest Business District
Business Development Workshops Draw New & Experienced Business Owners
June 5, 2009 – Chicago, IL. The 63rd Street Growth Commission partnered with Saint Xavier University to host the first annual Business Development Month in 2009. Over the course of six weeks, 177 people attended networking events and educational workshops to build relationships and gain knowledge of business-related topics.
While many people assume that starting a business in today’s economic climate is risky, there are also numerous success stories, and workshop facilitators believe that it is critical to give people the tools they need to operate a business efficiently. The Growth Commission worked with Saint Xavier University, which funded the project, with the belief that all business owners need to think smarter when it comes to managing and operating their businesses, and that reinventing themselves and their methods is a necessity, not an option.
Business Development Month included a series of four weekly workshops focused on business planning, avenues for obtaining financing, human resource practices for small business, and City of Chicago compliance. Not just for existing business owners, Business Development Month also served to guide the decision-making process for individuals considering a new business launch.
Completing the workshops gave participants a clearer understanding of how to manage their businesses and how to compete effectively in today’s business market.
Gregg Harris, owner of Yogo the Clown, noted “After 18 years, I was able to put together a business plan that will open up many doors.”
Business Development Month closed with a final networking event that included a graduation ceremony for the 31 people who attended all four workshops. The month also launched with a networking event. Event facilitators believe that networking and forming relationships is a prerequisite of success in today’s economy.