Today, The Hatchery, a joint venture between ICNC,  Accion, and IFF was announced with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Walter Burnett, and many other community members and organizations present. The Hatchery will be located in East Garfield Park and will become an integral part of the community by creating jobs and bringing businesses to the area. 

Steve DeBretto, ICNC's Executive Director said, "The Hatchery will put them in the middle of an entrepreneurial ecosystem so they can teach and learn from each other. Add the kitchens, business support, and connections to corporate partners, and we're eliminating the primary barriers food entrepreneurs face when trying to scale."

The 65,000 square foot facility will provide private food-grade production space, as well as shared kitchens and cold and dry storage. Entrepreneurs will have access to business advising, funding, and industry-specific training, along with other resources such as co-working and meeting rooms. The project will break ground in Fall of 2017 and open in Fall of 2018. Read more in the Chicago Tribune and here.

Small businesses are often interested in contracts with large buyers like universities and corporations, but may not understand the challenges in the procurement process or how to manage opportunities and risks. Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE) educates small businesses on the procurement process of large institutions in the Chicago area.

Thursday, July 13th Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Location: ICNC - 320 N. Damen Ave. Register here! Bring your own lunch.

Wednesday, August 16th

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Location:  ICNC  - 320 N. Damen Ave.

Register here!

Join us to learn about the fundamentals of gaining access to capital for your business. You will hear about different funding options including equipment financing, SBA loan programs, business credit cards, and more. Experts from Chase will talk through business strategies for credit, planning for your credit needs, initial credit considerations, tools for identifying the financial health of your business, and credit application preparation.

 

Tuesday, August 22nd Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location:  ICNC  - 320 N. Damen Ave. Register here!

In collaboration with Groupon, ICNC celebrates its 50th year by promoting Chicago small businesses and hosting the Make City Small Business Pitch Event.  The top 5 finalists will pitch their ideas on October 5th in front of a live audience!

Thursday, October 5th Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Location: ICNC - 320 N. Damen Ave. Register here to attend!

The City of Chicago's minimum wage will increase to $11 an hour starting July 1st. The raise is part of the city's planned phase-in process from 2015 to 2019. The new Paid Sick Leave Ordinance is effective July 1, 2017. Employees who work at least 2 hours per week while physically present within the geographic boundaries of the City, and who work at least 80 hours within any 120-day period, will accrue 1 hour of Paid Sick Leave for every 40 hours worked. See more details here. 

Small Business Administration (SBA) Webinars: The U.S. Small Business Administration hosts webinars nearly every day on a wide variety of topics related to small business. See the calendar here .

Receive money back for hiring full-time Chicago residents! ICNC has received funds through TIFWorks 50/50, an employee training reimbursement program issued by the City of Chicago. Applications are currently being accepted. Applicants must be located within the Kinzie Industrial TIF District boundaries. All training must be pre-approved by the City. For more information, contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].

Enjoy a thriving entrepreneurial community and immediate access to ICNC's advising, export, and advocacy services.

  

Click here to view the available spaces.    

Every month ICNC hosts a breakfast with 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. to discuss issues with crime, infrastructure, zoning, and other topics. For more information, please contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].