Small Business Expo

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The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series. The series of expos occur at different citywide locations and online. They offer business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more. 

The next Small Business Expo will be on Saturday, May 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kennedy-King College - U Building, 740 W 63rd St. View on map.

AT THE BACP SMALL BUSINESS EXPO YOU:

  • Network with like-minded entrepreneurs.
  • Gain industry expert insights.
  • Expand professional network.
  • Connect with government agencies.
  • Be inspired and find answers.
  • Get access to expert advice and free resources.
  • Attend workshops and keynote address.
  • Learn new actionable business strategies.
  • Get professional headshots or fun selfies.
  • And much more!


Keynote Speaker: Zack Day

Keynote Speaker:

Zack Day, Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Funkytown Brewery

Launched in October 2021, Funkytown Brewery focuses on the beginner craft beer drinker. Zack’s knowledge, skills and innovation, has led Funkytown beers to win multiple awards. Zack is also a Senior Counselor and Supervisor 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.


 

AGENDA

8:30 am onwards

Registration and Expo Opens (Exhibitor Hall Open)

9:00 am - 9:40 am

Expo Welcome and Networking Breakfast (Exhibitor Hall Closed)

9:40 am - 10:10 am

Exhibitor Hall Reopens

10:10 am - 11:10 am

Keynote Address with Zack Day, Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Funkytown Brewery (Exhibitor Hall Closed)

11:20 am - 12:20 pm Panel: Local Resources for Starting and Scaling Your Business presented by Neighborhood Business Development Centers (Exhibitor Hall is Open)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Workshop: Future proof your business through sales and marketing (Exhibitor Hall is Open)

In the exhibitor hall, the attendees can:

  • Visit exhibitors
  • Get professional headshots
  • Stop by the business card station
  • Click fun selfies to post on social

WHAT PAST EXPO ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY:

“I learned a lot, very enlightening, I enjoyed the workshops. So many resources I didn't have a clue about. Thank you for the invite.”

“The expo was my first and it was very informative to me, and I would love to attend another expo. Thanks!”

“I would love to attend another event in the future, this was very well organized and the representatives working did a fantastic job. Thank you. The location was also excellent.”

“This was my first time attending and was very motivated. The keynote speaker and the representative at the tables visited was full of wisdom and willing to provide great information.”


Thank you to our 2025 Expo Series Sponsors:

 

Thank you to our 2025 Expo Series Partners: