CHICAGO – Today, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the last Chicago Small Biz Expo of 2025 will take place on Saturday, September 20th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Malcolm X 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. The keynote speaker will be Erica Bethe Levin, Founder and CEO of Globowl, a baby and toddler food company focused on early allergen introduction through internationally inspired meals. To register and learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. 

“At its core, the upcoming Chicago Small Biz Expo is about investing in our residents' ideas and dreams,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We are proud to support the local business owners and entrepreneurs who drive revitalization and strengthen our communities by creating jobs and empowering our residents to build better together.” 

“The Chicago Small Biz Expo is a vital resource for current and aspiring business owners looking to start or scale their business,” said Ivan Capifali, BACP Commissioner. “The expo offers no-cost resources and support from exhibitors, workshops and more to help turn ideas into action.” 

The keynote address will feature Erica Bethe Levin, Founder and CEO of Globowl. Erica founded Globowl out of a desire to bring internationally inspired recipes to a new generation of future foodies. Globowl launches families into a life-long journey of adventurous eating that reflects and respects the many cultures that make up our world. Prior to Globowl, Erica was Director of Global Sales for Coyle Hospitality, a founding employee at Reserve and led growth initiatives before it was acquired by Resy, and first female founder at 1871 where she launched CheekyChicago, an online resource for women. Most recently, Erica was a finalist on the 2024 season of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars on Fox and Hulu. 

“I am honored to speak and connect with the passionate entrepreneurs at the Chicago Small Biz Expo” said Erica Bethe Levin, Founder and CEO of Globowl. “I know firsthand the challenges, and incredible rewards, of building something from the ground up. This expo serves as a space of learning and collaboration, and I look forward to sharing my journey.” 

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

“The expo is about removing barriers and creating real pathways for success,” said Mario Hernández, Director of Public Affairs at Western Union. “Business ownership provides stability and generational success, and Western Union is proud to be an expo sponsor as we create a stronger, more inclusive economy for all.”

The Saturday, September 20th expo will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College, located at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. 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.-9:30 a.m.: Welcome and Networking Breakfast 

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

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Exhibitor Hall Reopens 

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

 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Keynote Address 

Erica Bethe Levin, Founder and CEO of Globowl 

1:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Business Education Workshops 

12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m.: Exhibitor Hall Open 

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

12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Business Education Workshops

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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