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 22 – Lobster Gram of Mayfair Park, a Food Distributor
Dan describes doing business in Chicago as "entrepreneurial". He built a market for shipping seafood from the trunk of his car....
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Episode 23 – Revolutionary Care, a traveling Message Therapist
Rezna describes doing business in Chicago as "determination". She's determined to help Chicagoans understand their power to heal themselves. But how...
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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...
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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...
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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 33 – Aeslin Pup Hub, Brick and Mortar for All Your Pet Needs
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?
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UPDATE: Sign Legislation Changes for Chicago Businesses featuring Right Way Signs
Alex describes doing business in Chicago as “frustrating”. He began growing his father’s sign company in Evanston, but relocated to Chicago. What about the Windy City and its workforce drew him there?
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