Leah says she feels “conflicted” about doing business in the city of Chicago. Sometimes the red tape, regulations, and seemingly exorbitant cost of doing business makes it difficult to spend the money where it matters most — her staff. Despite the growing pains, what’s next for the Aeslin pet family?
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.
Eric describes doing business in Chicago as “exhilarating.” Despite being a natural entrepreneur who loves his city and his community, it isn’t always easy to navigate the city’s codes and licenses. How exactly did Eric go from peddling Bart Simpson t-shirts on the street, to a lifestyle retail space in Wicker Park and a move to Hyde Park, to starting a block party in Hyde Park that attracts thousands of people, to pop-up shops around Chicago?
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.
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?
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?
Katherine describes doing business in Chicago as “hilarious”. When she first had the idea to support micro-retail, it was illegal. In what ways has Katherine worked with City Hall to create processes that support microbusiness owners?
Amanda describes doing business in Chicago as ‘stimulating’. She built a market of Chicagoans interested in off-the-beaten path tourism. Where does she travel to show Chicago’s historic side?
Jordan describes doing business in Chicago as “aspirational”. He always wanted his business to benefit the local South Side community. What employment strategy has he chosen to further this mission?
Sean and Grant describe doing business in Chicago as “a dream come true”. They began their business from Sean’s backyard and faced a variety of zoning challenges. What advice would they now give to self-employed gym owners?
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