Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Department Of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to Host Small Business Expo

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Department Of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to Host Small Business Expo

The free upcoming expo for current and future business owners will provide community-level business resources, workshops and networking opportunities for Chicago's small business community.

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced its upcoming Chicago Small Business Expo designed to empower and inspire current and future business owners in the City of Chicago. The free expo will take place on Saturday, August 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Truman College, McKeon Building, in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. The expo will kick-off with a breakfast networking session followed by workshops and a keynote address by Anupy Singla, proprietor of the food company Indian as Apple Pie. Additionally, attendees will be able to connect with exhibitors from nonprofit and government agencies. To register for the expo, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.

"The Chicago Small Business Expo is tailored to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Through community-level outreach and investment, we will continue to see Chicago as the premier city to start and scale a business."

The expo serves as a crucial component of community-level support for business owners, providing a unique opportunity for them to gain insights, access resources and build connections that can help start or scale their businesses. By bringing together entrepreneurs, industry professionals and thought leaders, the expo aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth.

"BACP is excited to host the Chicago Small Business Expo and provide a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn and grow," said Ivan Capifali, BACP Acting Commissioner. "Our goal is to support business owners at every stage of their journey, from aspiring entrepreneurs to established business leaders and help them achieve their full potential."

Anupy Singla is a former journalist and cookbook author based in Chicago. She is the proprietor of the food company Indian as Apple Pie, and also has a blog by the same name for sharing her easy, healthy, delicious and authentic recipes with a wide audience. She is a member of the prestigious Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago, a global philanthropic organization of women leaders in the culinary and hospitality industry. Her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Wall Street Journal and more.

"I'm excited to share the ups and downs of my own journey at the expo and hope to empower current and aspiring business owners navigating their own paths to success," said Anupy Singla. "My cooking platform enables me to preserve and share my Indian heritage while presenting modern and healthy twists on traditional Indian dishes and ingredients."

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

"Western Union is proud to support the Chicago Small Business Expo, as it plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and empowering the small business community," said Mario Hernandez, Director of Public Affairs at Western Union. "Our commitment extends to immigrant-led businesses, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed and thrive."

The Saturday, August 24th expo will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson Ave. (McKeon Building). 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

Anupy Singla, Former journalist, cookbook author and proprietor of the food company Indian as Apple Pie.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Business Education Workshops

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Exhibitor Hall Reopens

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

To register and for more information, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. For inquiries call (312) 744-2086 or email [email protected]. For information about BACP, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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