CHICAGO – Aligned with the celebration of National Small Business Week, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the Chicago Small Business Expo will take place on Saturday, May 31^st from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Kennedy-King College. The free expo will kick-off with a networking breakfast sponsored by the Office of City Treasurer, an exhibition hall offering resources from over 30 nonprofit and government agencies, workshops and a keynote address by Zack Day, Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Funkytown Brewery. Funkytown Brewery, a Black-owned brewery, aims to serve craft beer deserts and add diversity and representation to the shelves of established retailers. To register and learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.

“The Chicago Small Business Expo demonstrates my commitment to nurturing the skills and ideas of small business owners and entrepreneurs in our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I believe in investing in the future of communities and that begins by empowering the very people who create jobs, serve neighborhoods and fuel innovation.”

“During National Small Business Week, I’m proud to announce the upcoming Chicago Small Business Expo,” said Ivan Capifali, BACP Commissioner.  “The expo is one of the many ways BACP is ensuring Chicago’s small business community has access to business support and resources to thrive.”

Keynote speaker Zack Day co-founded Funkytown Brewery in October 2011, which focuses on the beginner craft beer drinker. Mr. Day's knowledge, skills and innovation has led Funkytown beers to win multiple awards, including the Double Gold - Best in Show at the Tasting Alliance Competition in San Francisco in 2023. Mr. Day is also a Senior Counselor for Youth Guidance’s BAM (Becoming A Man) program - a school-based mentoring and counseling program that improves the social-emotional and behavioral competencies of youth in grades 7-12.

“As an advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship, I look forward to sharing my perspective on what it takes to launch and sustain a successful business,” said by Zack Day, Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Funkytown Brewery. “I’m honored to be part of this expo, where I will be sharing my business story so that other aspiring business owners can write their own.”

In partnership with City of Chicago Colleges and the Chicago Treasurer’s Office, the upcoming expo is sponsored by Western Union, Wintrust Bank, CIBC Bank USA and Pursuit.

“Western Union is proud to support the Chicago Small Business Expo, which connects small businesses with tools and knowledge at the community-level,” said Mario Hernández, Director of Public Affairs at Western Union. “As a sponsor, we believe in investing particularly in the immigrant entrepreneurs who are shaping our economy, bringing fresh ideas and vibrant diversity to our business community.”

 The Saturday, May 31^st expo will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kennedy-King College - U Building, 740 W. 63rd Street. The schedule is as follows:

 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.: Registration and Expo Opens

Attendees can visit exhibitors, get expert advice and receive free professional headshots.

9:00 a.m.-9:40 a.m.: Welcome and Networking Breakfast

Attendees can participate in a breakfast networking session sponsored by the Chicago Treasurer’s Office.

9:40 a.m.-10:10 a.m.: Exhibitor Hall Reopens

Attendees can visit exhibitors, get expert advice and receive free professional headshots.

10:10 a.m.-11:10 a.m.: Keynote Address: Zack Day, Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Funkytown Brewery

 11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: Business Education Workshop 1: Local Resources for Starting and Scaling Your Business presented by local BACP Neighborhood Business Development Centers and Exhibitor Hall Reopens

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Business Education Workshop 2: Future Proof Your Business Through Sales and Marketing presented by SCORE Chicago and Exhibitor Hall Reopens

To register and for more information, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. For inquiries call (312) 744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org. For information about BACP, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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