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?
Sylvia and Augie’s business grew out of a personal need for an effective laundry detergent that wouldn’t irritate their family’s sensitive skin. From diaper rash to eczema to sweaty workout clothes, Sylvia couldn’t find an “all in one” product that worked for everyone, so she engaged an organic chemist to create one. Dinobi Detergent is designed to be an affordable, plant-based laundry detergent that is powerful in the wash, yet gentle on skin and the environment. From changing consumers’ buying habits, to navigating the city’s contract and procurement process, to keeping their product in stock for wholesalers, doing business isn’t always easy. What is the vision for Dinobi over the next five years?
Liz says doing business in Chicago is “uncertain” because she’s trying something a little outside of the box in the grocery market. Forty Acres Fresh Market is a pop up grocer specializing in selling high quality fresh produce at an everyday low price. Founded in response to the dearth of fresh food options on Chicago’s West Side, Liz is doubling down on community partnerships, grants, and building credibility in her neighborhood.Can this business model thrive in the long term?
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.
Juana describes doing business in Chicago as “frustrating”. She spent much of her life savings outfitting a truck for mobile retail, but how’s it going?
Rezna describes doing business in Chicago as “determination”. She’s determined to help Chicagoans understand their power to heal themselves. But how does she do it?
Dan describes doing business in Chicago as “entrepreneurial”. He built a market for shipping seafood from the trunk of his car. How has he handled the challenges of maintaining a potentially hazardous food business?
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?
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?
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?
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