SmallBusinessExecutiveInforming, Inspiring and Connecting Businesses
Panzanzee incubator targets social enterprises
One of Chicago’s newest incubators is aimed at social enterprises. Panzanzee offers co-working spots in its 2,200-square-foot space as well as the opportunity for social entrepreneurs to address a group of professionals with a specific problem and receive advice, according to a Forbes story. Unlike startup accelerators designed to prepare young technology firms for venture [...]
Judge rules Illinois use tax law unconstitutional
The Illinois use tax law that spurred CouponCabin and FatWallet to leave the state last year was ruled unconstitutional Wednesday by a Cook County Circuit Court judge who said it violates the Interstate Commerce Clause and Internet Tax Freedom Act, according to the Performance Marketing Association, which had filed a lawsuit challenging the use tax’s constitutionality. Cook County Circuit Court Judge [...]
10 tips for getting results from networking
By Vickie Milazzo Guest columnist In the business world, we’re often advised to network. Need to attract some new clients? Network. Wish you had a knowledgeable mentor? Network. The fact is, networking is a valuable and effective tool that can enrich and advance your career or company when you use it properly. But many of [...]
10 tips for overcoming obstacles
Immigrant entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David offers10 practical ways for entrepreneurs to keep going in the face of adversity.
Good planning starts with stakeholder input
By George Brown Jr. Guest columnist As businesses look toward 2012, many are developing ambitious plans to achieve their growth and profit goals. In conversations with many organizations, I hear four themes: globalization, expanding capabilities, acquisitions and investments, and sustainability. Globalization Globalization has been going on for quite a few years, but many firms are planning [...]
How to plan for and measure success in 2012
By Doug and Polly White Guest columnists The economy has been tough for businesses, especially small businesses. Funding is tight ― OK, really tight. Government at all levels seems to be staying up at night thinking of new ways to make “doing business” more difficult, and consumers are more reluctant than ever to spend. This is the [...]
Seasoned entrepreneurs forecast disruptive technology will fuel new startups
By Ann Meyer For SmallBusinessExecutive Expect to see rapid change in Chicago’s business community in the coming year, as technology disrupts old industries. “Think about what the Internet has done in the last 10 years,” said Matt McCall, partner at New World Ventures. It has created companies, while putting others out of business. “I also [...]
How to draft a winning game plan for your home-based business
By Greg Crabtree Guest columnist Whether your home-based business is by choice or necessity, focusing on three keys will provide a winning game plan: Define what success looks like. Choose simplicity for organization structure. And count the cost by paying vendors and taxes before you take money out of the business. As the owner, you [...]
How to protect your domain name from adult entertainment competitors
By Michael R. Graham Guest columnist A new “dot-xxx” top-level domain name registry is being rolled out for the use of the adult entertainment industry. Trademark owners concerned that their trademarks may be used as a second-level domain name in this registry (e.g., yourmark.xxx) can take steps to block the registration of such domain names [...]
Chicago tech firm receives state energy grant
Submitted by AllCell Technologies – AllCell Technologies LLC today announced receiving a $460,433 grant as part of Illinois’ State Energy Plan. “Creating jobs is priority number one, and the growing green sector is supporting our economic recovery,” said Gov. Pat Quinn. “I am committed to doing all I can to ensure that Illinois will continue to [...]
