Resources for Businesses

Communications & Networking:  There are many opportunities to interact with the Humboldt Park market (residents, other business owners, and community stakeholders).  The HUMBOLDT PARK PORTAL is an interactive (Web 2.0) website that has community created articles, community calendar, business and resource directory, and more.  Check out the calendar for community meetings, Alderman meetings and more.  Upload your business into the directory today!

Smart Communities Technology Assistance: Business owners in Humboldt Park now have access to Technology Resources through the Business Resource Network (BRN).  The Humboldt Park Business Resource Network provides customized assistance to business owners to help them adopt broadband technology to improve their businesses.   The West Humboldt Park Development Council is the lead organization for this project offering:

• One-on-one technical assistance
• Business workshops
• Technology assessments
• Technology Action Plans
• Resources & referral for additional assistance
• Opportunities to obtain a free desktop computer, QuickBooks or Turbo Tax software

Below are some of the great workshops that have been brought to Humboldt Park thus far:

• Build Your Own Website Using Google Sites
• Using Social Networks to Market Your Business
• Intro to QuickBooks Pro 2011
• Improving Your Retail Space
• Power Marketing, Digital Style!
• Intro to Social Media
• Social Marketing for Restaurants

All at no cost to you!  To find out more about the Humboldt Park Business Resource Network contact Tom Otto at (773) 342-0036 ext 23 or tom@whpdevelopmentcouncil.net.

Technical Assistance / Business Support: Several organizations provide assistance to businesses.  This assistance can be with marketing & website development, MBE/WBE Certification, financial analysis, assistance with City services and programs, Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grants, business plans and more. Below is a listing of some of the organizations that can help you.

West Humboldt Park Development Council

Division Street Business Development Association

Northwest Connection Chamber of Commerce

City of Chicago – Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

SCORE Chicago 

Women’s Business Development Center

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses               

Chicago Entrepreneurial Center

Financing: Below are some great sources for financing your business:

New Equity Daily

ACCION Chicago

Womens Business Development Center