The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Licensing (DBA) is helping to better prepare businesses with FREE Business Education Workshops held twice per week on a wide array of business topics.

This month's workshop topics represent a wide-spectrum of business learning for business and non profit operators. DBA's workshops are taught by industry experts that provide essential information about starting and growing a business in Chicago. DBA holds workshops on marketing, financing, childcare, starting your business as well as introduce business owners to City process essentials like City Contracting, business licensing and inspection some of which are held every month.

Workshops are conducted by city officials, partner organizations or industry experts. Workshops take place at DBA's City Hall Office, 121 N. La Salle Street, Room 805. You can obtain a full workshop schedules on DBA's wesite at www.cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs. To register, you can call 312-744-5344.

Friday May 2
9:30am - 11:00am
Marketing Your Business 101

Wednesday, May 7
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Preparing for Your Business Inspections
* offered on the first Wednesday of every month

Friday, May 9
9:30am - 11:00am
How to Start Your Daycare Business

Wednesday, May 14
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Financial Incentives/ Loans for Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations

Friday, May 16
9:30am - 11:00am
Taking Your Business Online

Wednesday, May 21
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Guide to Starting Your Business in Chicago

Friday, May 23
9:30am - 11:00am
Starting a Not for Profit

Wednesday, May 28
1:00 - 3:00 pm - How to Get Certified
3:15 - 4:30 pm - Doing Business with the City of Chicago
*Monthly series workshop, offered on the last Wednesday of every month.

Thursday, May 29
5:30pm - 9:00pm
"Business Works Seminar"
1900 W. Van Buren, Malcolm X College
This FREE business works seminar is for new and existing businesses. Visit with nearly 30 exhibitors from government and other agencies that assist small businesses, attend workshops and network with other business owners. Registration is available on site.

For further workshop descriptions download the monthly workshop calendar at www.cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs.