Small Business Resource Newsletter

April 25, 2024

Volume 42

Newsletter At-a-Glance

• QCDC At Work
• Bronzeville Business Connect
• Tips For Thriving
• Know Your Audience
• QCDC Education & Training Resources
•  5-Part Financial Management Series for Small Business Owners * $500 Stipend opportunity!
• Capital Resources
• Allstate Bronzeville Grant
• Procurement & Employment
• 2024 Hyde Park Farmers Market Vendor Applications Due
• Taste of Chicago Application Deadline Extended - 4/26
• Business Events & Resources
• CTA Diversity Programs Q2 Outreach Event - 5/9

QCDC At Work

Spring Bronzeville Business Connect

Last month we were excited to host so many local business owners at our first Bronzeville Business Connect of 2024. It was a great opportunity to expand networks, build upon existing relationships, and learn more about the services QCDC provides to support the business community.

Special thanks to our partners at the Parkway Social/Parkway Ballroom for hosting us in their fabulous space.

The networking was great: B-to-B relationships were built, and one-on-ones were held with local financial service providers. 

The QCDC team provided lots of important information about programs and services, and most importantly introduced our newest team members.

We'll aim to bring that same energy to the June 27^th BBC, stay tune for details and the location.

Know Your Audience...

• Do you know who your customers are, current and future?
• Do you know what your customers want?
• Do you know your customers' habits? How, when, and where they shop?

Use Your Tools...

• Survey your customers in person, via social media, and during other marketing efforts. Customer feedback is essential to growing your bottom line and advancing your business.
• All social media and marketing platforms provide analytics. Set a schedule to regularly review your data and learn from what they are telling you about your customers.
• Keep tabs on competitors and market shifts. READ everything you can about your industry. Remember your competitors are local, city-wide, and online.

Keep It Fresh...

• Tailor your products and marketing according to the data.
• Stay adaptable and adjust strategies to stay relevant.

Essential to financial success is knowing your market, knowing your customers, and respecting both.

Education & Training Resources

Back by popular demand! Our 5-Part Financial Management Series for Small Business Owners is back. The feedback from last year’s participants was excellent,  “…this was like attending a graduate program at Harvard, but with a real-life approach…”, so you don’t want to miss out on a Series that will help elevate your financial management skills.

Thanks to the generous support from our sponsor, Wells Fargo, we are excited to share that participants who attend all 5 workshops will receive a $500 stipend to help support their businesses! 

Look ahead to see what's next on our

2024 Business Development Calendar!

Capital Resources

Procurement & Employment

Vendor Applications Now Open for

Summer 2024 Hyde Park Farmers Market 

The SECC and Special Service Area #61 proudly present the Hyde Park Farmers Market, thanks to the partnership of Hyde Park Bank. The Chicago Hyde Park Farmers Market is excited to announce the new summer season will be Sundays, June 2 – September 29, 2024 with new energy, entertainment, community engagement and a fantastically-curated collection of vendors. 

The Hyde Park Farmers Market is held from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm with vendor setup at 8:00 am. Approved vendors will occupy designated spaces in the Hyde Park Bank Parking lot – 1516 E. 54th Street, Chicago, IL 60615. Vendors may choose from full season or month-to-month reservations.  A 10% discount is available for prepaid, full season that is paid by 5/15/2024. 

Vendors are welcome to apply before the deadline.  

Application extended to Friday, April 26th! 

This summer, the Taste of Chicago will return with special events around the city, including three Taste of Chicago Pop Up events as well as Chicago's favorite, reimagined Taste of Chicago in Grant Park! Featuring a wide range of culinary choices, Taste of Chicago in Grant Park promises unique beverage offerings, live musical acts, and PLENTY of family fun! Sign up to learn more about how you can participate as a food vendor at Taste of Chicago events throughout the City! 

Business Events & Resources

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