Access to Capital

Episode 28 – Catalyst Ranch, Creative Meeting and Event Space in Chicago Loop

January 7, 2020 howsbusiness Access to Capital, Fees, Food Business, Growth, Health Inspection, Hiring, Licensing, Marketing, My first trip to City Hall, Permitting, Red Tape, Self-funded Business, Work-Life Balance, Zoning 00:14:20 Comments Off on Episode 28 – Catalyst Ranch, Creative Meeting and Event Space in Chicago Loop

Eva says doing business in Chicago is “challenging.” That’s putting it lightly! This founder of Catalyst Ranch, a creative meeting and event space in historic downtown Chicago, has run around in circles and jumped through hoops many times for everything from expanding their physical location, to getting the proper licensing to offer catering at their events, to getting a sign that people can actually see from the street. Find out why, despite these obstacles, Eva has no plans to leave Chicago and how she made the leap from corporate employee to thriving entrepreneur.

Episode 20 – Moon Meals of Hyde Park, a Food Producer

October 29, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, American Dream, Fees, Food Business, Licensing, My first trip to City Hall, Red Tape, Retail, Self-funded Business, Shared Kitchen, Vegan, Waiting in Line, Wellness, Work-Life Balance 00:09:11 0 Comments

LaForce describes doing business in Chicago as “interesting”. LaForce says you have to be patient when you’re getting all the correct licenses and permits. How much time does he suggest you allot?

Just Ice in Back of the Yards, a Craft Ice Producer

October 15, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, Food Business, Growth, Health Inspection, Hiring, Illinois State Regulation, Licensing, Relocation, Self-funded Business, Sustainability, Work-Life Balance 00:14:15 0 Comments

Rosanna describes doing business in Chicago as “a new thing every day”. When she opened her craft ice business she had no competitors in Chicago. How did Rosanna go about navigating a new industry?

Vested World in The Loop, an Angel Investor

October 8, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, Growth, Illinois State Regulation, Immigrant Entrepreneur, Social Enterprise 00:10:50 0 Comments

Euler describes doing business in Chicago as “extremely collaborative”. As a lawyer, he focused on transactional work. How has his legal background informed the way he approaches the promotion of economic development in underserved areas?

Episode 16 – Back of the Yards Coffee in Back of the Yards, a Coffee Shop

October 1, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, Economic Recession, Food Business, Licensing, My first trip to City Hall, Permitting, Red Tape, Self-funded Business, Social Enterprise 0:16:42 0 Comments

Jesse describes doing business in Chicago as “daunting”. His neighborhood views him as a huge asset and his business is profitable – so what’s in the way of his business’ growth?

Episode 9 – Urban Roots Inc. of Bronzeville, a Lawn Care Company

August 6, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, City Programs, Growth, Hiring, Licensing, Self-funded Business, Social Enterprise 00:09:58 0 Comments

Jimmie and Tiffany describe doing business in Chicago as “full of opportunity”. As minority owners of a landscaping business, what do they think the city of Chicago is doing right?

Episode 5 – Haji Healing Salon in Chatham, a Yoga Studio and Wellness Center

July 9, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, City Programs, GoFundMe, L3C, Relocation, Small Business Incubator, Social Enterprise, Wellness, Work-Life Balance 0:14:00 Comments Off on Episode 5 – Haji Healing Salon in Chatham, a Yoga Studio and Wellness Center

Aya-Nikole describes doing business in Chicago as “vibrant and expansive.” She once taught yoga in sunny California. What lured her back to Chicago?

Episode 4 – Upton’s Naturals in Austin, a Food Producer

July 2, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, Citations, City Programs, Food Business, Growth, Health Inspection, Licensing, Marketing, Permitting, Red Tape, Relocation, Retail, Self-funded Business, Shared Kitchen, Vegan 00:13:18 Comments Off on 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. How did they do it?

Episode 2 – Jimmy’s Vegan of Auburn Gresham, a Food Producer

June 18, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, Licensing, Marketing, Red Tape, Retail, Shared Kitchen, Vegan, Wellness 00:11:36 0 Comments

Jimmy describes doing business in Chicago as “hard but fair”. His initial business model was inspired by a famous Black Institution in Chicago. Which one?

Episode 1 – MOOvers in Jefferson Park, a Moving Company

May 30, 2019 howsbusiness Access to Capital, American Dream, Economic Recession, Growth, Hiring, Illinois State Regulation, Immigrant Entrepreneur, Licensing, Red Tape, Self-funded Business, Work-Life Balance, Zoning 0:11:08 Comments Off on 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?