LGBTQIA+ Business Training

Join the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois and our partners as we host LGBTQ+ Biz Training. This two-day event will equip LGBTQ+ and ally entrepreneurs with the resources to launch and grow successful businesses.

Learn about Day 2 here. Attend Day 1 & 2 to have a chance at two tickets to the Annual Boat Cruise

Day 1
Session 1 Starting a Small Business in Illinois: This workshop will focus on all aspects of the Business Plan Development, the Registration Process, and Financing. This session will be led by Jo Ann Di Maggio May (Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIU)

Break/Optional Networking

Session 2: Protecting Your Business: Entities, Contracts, and Insurance
This workshop will provide a high-level overview of how to keep your startup/business safe and compliant as it’s being built. One of the primary pain points for business founders is navigating legal risk, regulations, and laws without an unlimited budget for lawyers and insurance. From becoming “judgment proof” in the early stages to minimizing liability through contracts to purchasing fluctuating levels of insurance for specific risks, protecting a business is a constant balancing act between cost and benefit. Q&A to follow. This session will be led by Matt McElwee (RM Law Group).

Break

Session 3: Masterclass Conversations
During Masterclass Conversations, participants will rotate Breakout Rooms to discuss different topics. The conversation will be led by participants and their questions to our Masterclass Experts. Topics include Storytelling, E-commerce, and others.

Event Partners: Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Illinois SBDC at Bradley University, Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIU, Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, Peoria Chamber of Commerce, Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University, Uptown Chamber of Commerce, Women's Business Development Center