TRACK One
Click on a session below to view archived video

SESSION ONE

City of Chicago's Innovative Solutions for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses

A thriving small, minority- and women-owned business community is essential in a world-class city. The City of Chicago contracts over
$2 billion in goods and services annually and maintains the highest commitment to diversity, transparency, and innovation.

Jamie Rhee, Chief Procurement Officer, City of Chicago
Roxanne Nava, Chief Small Business Officer, City of Chicago

SESSION TWO

You Don't Want To Be At The Airport When Your Ship Comes In

A rapid fire review of the 6 major trends at the intersection of social media and technology which are radically changing the ground rules and the ways in which every business will reach and engage its customers.         Howard Tullman, CEO, 1871

SESSION THREE

How To Protect Your Business - Presented by COUNTRY Financial

You worked hard to make your business a success, but is it protected? Join us to review topics such as succession planning (including buy-sell agreements), disability and retirement. Protection is crucial for you and your business, so get educated today!

David Gallico, Senior Financial Security Consultant, COUNTRY Financial

SESSION FOUR

Creating and Using Your Compelling Video Elevator Speech

This short workshop will address the process of creating an elevator speech. It will ask you to think about what problem your business solves, how to solve it, and what makes your company different.

Carol Roth, MSNBC Contributor and business author

Mark Goodman, President & CEO, e-Conversation Solutions

SESSION FIVE | 1:45PM - 2:30PM

Social Media Mhttp://youtu.be/yjLrfO6xYXcasters

What they know can help you launch and grow your business.

Rishu Mandolia, Director Program Development, Digital Professional Institute

Tim O'Malley, Founder, Social Media Beast & Concierge Preferred

SESSION SIX | 2:45PM - 3:30PM

Media Training for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses

Learn how to present yourself in a variety of media situations.

Nancy Pender, Peabody & Emmy Award Winning former journalist, founder of Pender Communication, a media consulting & video production Company

Lilia Chacon, Peabody & Emmy Award Winning Journalist and
current Communications Director, Office of the City Treasurer

TRACK Two
Click on a session below to view archived video

SESSION ONE & TWO

Build Your Marketing Toolkit YouTube link

The 4 Pillars of Marketing Success – build a foundation of marketing knowledge, from which you can build effective campaigns to help your business or organization grow.
Please be aware of late start time/extended workshop time 9:30 am - 10:50 am

Steve Robinson, Area Director, Constant Contact

SESSION THREE

One Hour Mentor Brought To You By Citi

Top Chicago business leaders share their secrets for success.

*Please Be Aware Extended Workshop time 11:00-12:30

Dan Gaddis, Small Business Banking Manager, Citi

Christy Webber, President, Christy Webber Landscapes

Donna Rockin, Executive Director, IIT Knapp Entrepreneurship Center

Michael Bashaw, Regional President, Whole Foods Market

Pam Netzky, President and Co-Founder, SkinnyPop Popcorn

SESSION FOUR

Alternate Lending For Small Business

Can't qualify for a conventional bank loan? Come hear about alternative lenders that Chicago businesses are accessing to receive funding.

Roberto Barragan, President, VEDC

Karin O'Connor, Member, Hyde Park Angels & President, Perimeter Advisors
Steve Hall, Vice President of Business Development ACCION Chicago, & Urban Partnership Bank

SESSION FIVE

Shark Tank Chomp Chomp!

Top investors challenge the business plan winners. Will they survive?

Nick Farina Jr., CEO, Gifted Hired

Mahrinah von Schlegel, Economic Growth Fellow, World Business Chicago

Troy Henikoff, Managing Director-Chicago Techstars

Ann Marie Murphy, COO & Managing Partners of Tribal Ventures

SESSION SIX

Marketing Magic

Ignite your marketing skills and learn from the best!

Catherine Morgan, Career Transition Coach, Business, Point A to Point B Transitions Inc

Tim O'Malley, Founder, Social Media Beast & Concierge Preferred

Victoria Cook, Business and Marketing Coach & Creator of The Guilt-Free RESULTS™ System