Small Business Forum A Success 2014

In a show of solidarity and support for the business community, Alderman Latasha Thomas, Alderman Howard Brookins, and Alderman Roderick Sawyer participated in the Small Business Forum held at Urban Partnership Bank on Chicago's south side on May 13th. The three Aldermen sat on a panel, answered questions, and participated in the two activities given to the 25 small business owners and 20 presenting organizations who participated: 1) to identify one benefit to having a business on the south side; and 2) to identify one challenge to having a business on south side.

The Small Business Forum hosted by the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC) and the 6th District Police Department as part of the monthly Business Sub-Committee meetings. Its purpose was to address the needs of small business owners in the community (from safety/security to financing to marketing/social media) and introduce them to City, local, and business-to-business resources addressing those and many other needs.

Several partner agencies presented their products and services to the small business owners including: Urban Partnership Bank, LISC New Markets, SomerCor, CTA Diversity, Illinois State's Attorney, B.E.R.A. , Wellspring, The Urban Green Team, and many more. The event was held at Urban Partnership Bank in the community room and the RedLINE CTC (Community Training Center) which is GADC's satellite Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC).

The NBDC is a technology and training center where small business owners can go to have access to computers, printers, and staff who can help them use technology to create, market, manage, and grow their businesses. If you are a small business owner and you would like to participate in the NBDC, the Business Sub-Committee Meetings, or would like to learn more about starting a new business - please call 773 483 3696.