How's Business?
How’s Business? is the product of our listening tour with small businesses throughout the City of Chicago. Through interviews with company founders, How’s Business? documents what’s going well – and what could be going better – for small businesses in Chicago. From licensing to maintaining work/life balance, we get candid with entrepreneurs and capture what it’s really like to do business in The Windy City.
Episode 1 – MOOvers in Jefferson Park, a Moving Company
Cezar describes doing business in Chicago as "insane". He wants to grow his moving business. What's standing in his way?
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Episode 2 – Jimmy’s Vegan of Auburn Gresham, a Food Producer
Jimmy describes doing business in Chicago as "hard but fair". His initial business model was inspired by a famous Black Institution...
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Episode 3 – Middle Brow Beer Co. in Logan Square, a Brewery and Brewpub
Pete describes doing business in Chicago as "optimistic". He followed a Brew Pub model, but how did outsourcing the production of...
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Episode 4 – Upton’s Naturals in Austin, a Food Producer
Nicole and Dan describe doing business in Chicago as "resourceful". They saved thousands when bringing their food space up to code....
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you are a small business owner in Chicago with a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach out here. We especially want to hear about licensing and legal issues that you encounter, so we can continue our research and advocacy to knock down barriers for entrepreneurs. We may even follow up to schedule an interview! However, we understand that it can feel scary to share your business challenges — you’re welcome to submit your story anonymously.
Episode 25 – Yolis Tamales in Gage Park, a Tamale Vendor
Maria describes doing business in Chicago as “amazing”. Her business was recently formalized with the passing a street vending ordinance. Learn more about what street food legalization means for her.
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Episode 24 – Robust Coffee Lounge in Hyde Park, a Coffee Shop
Jake describes doing business in Chicago as “opportunity”. When the markets crashed in 2008, he found renewed purpose bringing coffee to the Hyde Park Woodlawn community. When he started the business, he thought coffee might be recession-proof. Was he right?
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