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.
Subscribe Today
How’s Business? releases new episodes featuring Chicago’s small business owners every Tuesday morning at 7 AM through Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. If you like what you hear, subscribe and rate the podcast.
Episode 14 – Saucy Porka in The Loop & Hyde Park, a Restaurant
Amy describes doing business in Chicago as “rewarding but frustrating”. When she began operating her food truck business Amy had no idea she would end up launching the Food Truck Association and advocating for new legislation. What advice would she now give to small business owners looking to engage with City Hall and influence policy?
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Episode 13 – Dearborn Denim of West Garfield Park, a Denim Brand and Manufacturer
Robert describes doing business in Chicago as full of “good people”. He says Chicago is one of the best places in America to launch an apparel manufacturing business. What about the city makes it a hospitable place for skilled workers in this industry?
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