November 13, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tech 101 for Small Business: How to Take Advantage of Technology and Web 2.0 at a Low Cost
City Hall
Room 805
121 N. LaSalle St.
November 18
How to Get Certified, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Doing Business with the City, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
City Hall
Room 805
121 N. LaSalle St.
November 19, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Business Works Seminar
If you are thinking about starting or growing your business, this is the place to be! At this seminar for entrepreneurs, you can visit with nearly 30 government agencies providing business resources, networking with government and business leaders and attend free workshops.
Richard J. Daley College
7500 S. Pulaski
For more information, please contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection at (312) 744-5344 or online at www.cityofchicago.org/bacp
]]>Other Potential Changes:
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding this change, please call Comcast at (866) 594-1234.
CHICAGO (October 29, 2009) – Throughout the global recession of the past two plus years, businesses from Wall Street to Main Street have been forced to close their doors. Throughout this difficult economic stretch, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) has recognized the problems affecting businesses both large and small and continues to work to provide businesses the tools, resources and connections necessary to remain profitable, no matter what the economy is doing.
“With boutique shops and restaurants representing a key component of our chamber and neighborhood’s fabric, watching a business be forced to close their doors is of course the last thing we ever want to see,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “At a time when budgets are increasingly tight for families, businesses and governments, I encourage everyone to remember to shop local and contribute to the vitality of your neighborhood’s business community and reputation.
“We lead numerous initiatives in support of our mission – helping businesses in Lincoln Park succeed and grow,” Schilf continued. “We have negotiated discounted advertising rates at key Chicago media outlets and have offered sponsorships that provide brand awareness and marketing opportunities to help businesses keep their products and services in front of consumer’s attention.”
As a membership organization dedicated to supporting the needs of businesses and the surrounding community, it is the responsibility of the LPCC to keep the best interests of its members in mind when supporting key issues and developing new programming that will affect the way they do business now and in the future.
“As the largest neighborhood chamber of commerce in Chicago, the LPCC works to use these membership numbers to the advantage of the entire business community. The reputation of Lincoln Park as the premier destination for shopping, eating and cultural activities is a key marketing tool we strive to maintain despite the economy,” Schilf said. “We offer dozens of affordable, engaging events from educational seminars to networking events – often totaling more than 150 participants – to help businesses promote their product, or make the necessary connections to keep the cost of doing business down.
“Although Lincoln Park benefits from neighborhood anchors like the Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and more, we are certainly not immune to the global economic downturn,” Schilf concluded. “During these difficult times, I urge businesses to band together and create a unified voice and push for increased sales in Lincoln Park, and across the country.”
While many businesses are being forced to close their doors, the LPCC believes, others still are remaining steady or flourishing. It is unfortunate, however, that stories of a gloom and doom economy continue to cover headlines from coast to coast. LPCC members have shared both their stories of success and challenges throughout the past two years, and if positive messages were shared with the community, the LPCC contends future businesses can learn how to adapt to market conditions and keep their doors open.
# # #
Over the course of the summer, the numbers of new infections due to pandemic H1N1 influenza has
dropped in the United States. However, influenza activity is increasing again. Fortunately, vaccine is now available to protect people against seasonal influenza.
Everyone 6 months of age or older should be vaccinated, as vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza. It is especially important that persons in the following groups get vaccinated: all children 6 months to 18 years of age; all adults age 50 and older; all adults with chronic health conditions; and all household contacts and caregiversof children 6 months of age or younger.
Please encourage your employees to contact their physician or other healthcare provider toreceive seasonal influenza vaccines. Ifthey do not have a physician or their physician does not have vaccine, they can call 311 to locate a nearbyChicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) clinic.
Additionally, pandemic H1N1 vaccine will be available in mid October. Initially, when the vaccine becomesavailable, certain high-risk groups will be eligible to receive it: all children 6 months to 18 years of age;pregnant women; adults 19-24 years of age; adults 25-64 years of age with chronic health conditions; hospital and emergency services personnel, and all household contacts and caregivers of children 6 monthsof age or younger. Again, the latter recommendation is especially important – since children 6 months ofage or younger cannot be vaccinated because of their age.
As additional vaccine becomes available, all others will be able to receive it. Please encourage your employees to contact their physicians to receivepandemic H1N1 influenza vaccines. If they do not have a physician or their physician does not havevaccine, they can call 311 to locate a nearby CDPH clinic. Though these two vaccines will play an important role in preventing illness and severe disease, othermeasures need to be used to help minimize the impact of both seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance intended to assist businesses and other non-health care workplaces in minimizing the impact of both seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza. This guidance is available at www.flu.gov. In addition to this guidance, a communications toolkit and a guide to assist small businesses in preparing forinfluenza are also available at this website.
CDPH is providing this notification to make sure you are aware of the new guidance, the communication toolkit, and the small business preparedness guide. We strongly encourage you to review these materials, develop or update any existing policies and procedures, and implement the necessary activities to help decrease the spread of influenza in your business or workplace.
1. The guidance is divided into two groups: 1) recommendations to use now, assuming a similar
severity to the spring/summer pandemic H1N1 influenza outbreak; and 2) recommendations to
consider adding if the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus causes more severe disease.
2. The guidance recommends that individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI) should remain at home
until at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever (100°F) or signs of fever without the
use of fever-reducing medications:
a. ILI is defined as a fever (100°F) with a cough and/or sore throat.
b. Individuals with ILI should be instructed to discontinue the use of fever-reducing medications if
they are no longer having a fever or signs of fever.
c. Individuals can still shed influenza virus after this period of time is over, but to a lesser extent.
As a result, individuals should continue to practice good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
and avoid close contact with people they know to be at increased risk from influenza-related
complications.
3. The guidance recommends that businesses take a pro-active approach by developing a Pandemic Influenza Plan. A number of resources are available to help assist you in such efforts, including the document entitled: “Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses"
1. Please review the materials available at www.flu.gov, develop or update any existing policies and
procedures, and implement the necessary activities to help decrease the spread of influenza in your
institution.
2. Please identify a person who can serve as your point-of-contact and provide this person’s name and contact information, including their email, to: PHEOC@cdph.org. This will allow CDPH to provide
your business with important information and updates throughout the influenza season.
1. CDPH is available to assist you should you have any questions about the new CDC guidance or
have specific situations you need assistance in handling. Please email these questions or requests
for assistance to PHEOC@cdph.org, or you may also call 311, where your question or request will
forwarded to CDPH personnel staffing our consultation line.
2. CDPH is keeping our website updated with a selection of accurate documents to help you keep up-to-date on the influenza situation. Please visit our website at www.cityofchicago.org/swineflu.
3. CDPH will continue to monitor influenza activity throughout the fall and winter, and will provide you
with updates as needed. We will also be providing you with information about the pandemic H1N1
vaccine, as new information becomes available.
The Coleman Center Peer Roundtables are a place where business owners can:
Eligibility
Two roundtable groups are offered:
Schedule
Roundtables meet on a monthly basis beginning January 2010.
Learn more at http://cec.depaul.edu/what/peer-roundtables.php.
"We just had a woman posing as a client come into our studio & offices and steal over $400 in cash out of our staff's personal belongings. She came in one day to ask questions about our schedule & services and left. The next day she came in claiming she had an appointment, asked to use the bathroom, and then when left alone for a few minutes, quickly located & took money from different purses in our back room & left through a fire exit."
If you suspect anything, please contact 911. In addition, any information shared with the LPCC that affects the local business community will be posted to our website to draw further awareness.
]]>Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "nonprescription medicines and drugs" does not include grooming and hygiene products. For purposes of this Section, "grooming and hygiene products" includes, but is not limited to, soaps and cleaning solutions, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, antiperspirants, and sun tan lotions and screens, unless those products are available by prescription only, regardless of whether the products meet the definition of "over-the-counter-drugs". For the purposes of this paragraph, "over-the-counter-drug" means a drug for human use that contains a label that identifies the product as a drug as required by 21 C.F.R. § 201.66. The "over-the-counter-drug" label includes: (A) A "Drug Facts" panel; or (B) A statement of the "active ingredient(s)" with a list of those with a list of those ingredients contained in the compound, substance or preparation.
Illinois Department of Revenue Information Bulletin Language FY 2010-01
Grooming and personal hygiene products for humans are taxed as general merchandise (high rate) whether or not they make a medicinal claim, unless sold as a result of a prescription. Products affected by this change include, but are not limited to,
- Body soap and cleansers,
- Shampoo,
- Toothpaste,
- Mouthwash,
- Antiperspirant, and
- Suntan lotion and screens.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, 'soft drinks' mean non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, or greater than 50% of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.
Illinois Department of Revenue Information Bulletin Language FY 2010-01
The definition of "soft drink" has changed. "Soft drink" is any non-alcoholic beverage containing natural or artificial sweeteners. This includes, but is not limited to,
- Soda,
- Sport or energy drinks,
- Sweetened tea,
- Waters containing natural or artificial sweeteners,
- Beverages containing natural or artificial sweeteners,
- Beverages containing 50 percent or less fruit or vegetable juice, and
- All other preparations commonly known as soft drinks.
Exception: "Soft drink" does not include any beverage containing milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, unsweetened teas, drinks with greater than 50 percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume, and carbonated or uncarbonated water that contains no natural or artificial sweeteners. These remain reported on Form ST-1, Step3, Line 5a, and taxed as food (low rate).
Note: All beverages sold at a restaurant remain taxed as general merchandise (high rate).
How do I make the determination?
You must check the ingredients label or package. If an item contains milk or milk products or does not contain natural or artificial sweeteners, it is taxed as food (low rate).
Do these changes affect the Chicago Soft Drink Tax?
Yes. The broader definition of "soft drink" also applies to the Chicago Soft Drink Tax. The "soft drinks" previously identified as moving from low rate to high rate taxation will not be subject to the Chicago Soft Drink Tax. The rate for that tax remains at three percent (.03) and reported on Form ST-14, Chicago Soft Drink Tax Return.
See Publication 116. Chicago Soft Drink Tax, for more information regarding this local tax.
What if I have questions?
The department will answer taxpayer questions from the Tax Talk section on our Web site at tax.illinois.gov.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, beginning September 1, 2009, "food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold" does not include candy. For purposes of this Section, "candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. "Candy" does not include any preparation that contains flour or requires refrigeration.
Illinois Department of Revenue Information Bulletin Language FY 2010-01
Candy has a broad definition. For Illinois taxing purposes, candy is a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners, in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients, or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Examples include, but are not limited to,
- Chocolate bars,
- Yogurt or chocolate covered fruit or nuts,
- Honey coated nuts,
- Caramel popcorn,
- Lollipops,
- Snack mixes containing yogurt or chocolate,
- Breath mints, and
- Gum
Exemption: Items that contain flour or require refrigeration are not considered candy. Examples include, but are not limited to,
- Chocolate covered cookies,
- Yogurt covered pretzels,
- "candy" that contains flour,
- Plain dried fruits, and
- Nuts with no added sweeteners.
How do I make the determination?
You must check the ingredients label or package. If an item contains flour or requires refrigeration, it remains taxed as food (low rate). If an item contains sugar, it is taxed as general merchandise (high rate).
Borrowers pay no interest on the ARC loans and repayment does not begin for one year.
“Small business is the engine that keeps the 5th District’s local economy running, and they need and deserve our help during this downturn,” said Congressman Quigley. “As any business owner knows, access to capital is a lifeline, which is why this new loan program is so critical. The ARC program gives small business owners extra breathing room so they can pay their bills and continue to create jobs during our economic recovery.”
To qualify for the ARC loans, small firms must demonstrate they are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the economic downturn, but are otherwise deemed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to be viable. The loans will be made by commercial lenders and can be used for payments of principal and interest for existing, qualifying small business debts like credit card obligations, mortgages, lines of credit, and balances due to suppliers, vendors, and utilities.
“Every day, a new ‘Commercial Space For Lease’ signs goes up in my district, marking where a business and jobs used to be,” recalled Cong. Quigley. “This new program is designed to help ease the pressure and keep ‘Open’ and ‘Welcome’ signs displayed in the window.”
To apply for ARC loans, businesses should visit their local SBA-approved small business lenders. The loans will be available through Sept. 30, 2010, or until appropriated funding runs out. Additional information about the ARC loan program is available at http://www.sba.gov/recovery/arcloanprogram/index.html.
]]>Businesses can be liable for any where from $2-$4 a transaction over the past year – one restaurant just had to settle and pay up $30,000. If you have an ATM at your business, be sure that all of the necessary signage, directions and more are visible.
]]>Service Area
11-County Chicagoland area, specifically Cook, Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Will and LaSalle counties PLUS Kankakee and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.
Businesses Served
Service, retail, wholesale and manufacturing businesses are eligible to apply for a loan. Not-for-profit businesses and businesses involved in real estate development or multi-level marketing programs are not eligible.
Purpose
Leasehold improvements, inventory, supplies, working capital, machinery and equipment purchase. Debt refinance and purchase of real estate are not eligible loan purposes.
Loan Amount
Loans for established businesses from $500 to $25,000 ? Loans for start-up businesses with less than 6 months of revenue history from $500 to $15,000 ? Credit Builder Loan from $200 to $2,500
Loan Product
Term Loans and Balloon Loans for contract/invoice financing
Loan Interest Rate
Fixed rate starting as low as 11%, depends on credit risk and history of the business, no prepayment penalty
Term
Up to 5 years, depending on loan size, purpose and cash flow
Fee
A one-time commitment fee up to 6% of loan amount plus collateral filing fees, all fees financed.
Collateral Position
UCC filing on all business assets, mortgage on personal or business real estate, lien on personal or business vehicles. Loans must be fully secured by collateral or guaranteed by a qualified co-signer.
Recourse
Full guarantee of all owners with 20% or more ownership
To Apply
Begin by completing an ACCION application online or by requesting a paper application by fax or mail from our office. If you are pre-approved for a loan, your Loan Officer will send you a list of supporting documents to collect. The next step is a site visit/ collateral inspection by your ACCION Loan Officer. Upon submission of all requested documents, your loan request is analyzed by an ACCION Underwriter. The request may then be recommended to the ACCION Loan Approval Committee at their weekly meeting. Turn-around time is 10-15 business days from submission of your application.
At one time, the intersection at North, Clybourn and Halsted was a gas station. Now, with the renovation of the Clybourn stop of the Red Line and new businesses entering the area, the southern entrance to Lincoln Park will be an inviting commercial stretch.
For Crain's complete article, please click here.
]]>If you have any questions or need more information, contact the 23rd District Community Policing Office at (3120 744-0064 or 23ehotline@chicagopolice.org
]]>A mass mailing informed business owners of the policy change which the city is promoting as a way for businesses to ensure their systems are working properly.
Residential burglar alarms are exempt from the new ordinance and a $34 annual fee on business alarms has been waved. False alarms caused by high wind, other weather occurrences or testing by licensed specialists can be contested.
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