LaForce Baker, Vice president of Community Impact at World Business Chicago, has grown and scaled a successful multi-million dollar company in the last decade. But, although his products could be found in hundreds of locations across the country, that growth came with many growing pains.
This pain is all too familiar for most small businesses on Chicago's South and West sides. Yet, given the lack of services available in the South and West Sides, small businesses—particularly minority and women-owned businesses—are vital to the economic recovery of Chicago's densely populated and often forgotten communities.
Event Details
Learn the five critical tools needed to expand, grow revenue, and create a sustainable business.
Location
Shine Bright Community Center
8560 S Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL
Date
April 27th, 2023
Times
Doors open at 4:00 PM
Program from
4:30pm to 7 pm
AGENDA
Welcome Message
Opening Remarks from representatives at World Business Chicago and the Empower Series Lead Sponsor, Verizon.
Level-Up Your Marketing
Navigating Capital
Learn how to market your business like a pro. Take a journey with the CEO of the Purpose Brand and learn how to implement elite marketing and branding practices into your everyday routine.
Where should small businesses look to get capital? But, more importantly, how? Join an insightful panel of leaders in the capital field to learn what your business's next move can be!
Behind the Scenes of SMB
What outsiders see is just as important as what goes on behind the scenes of a small business. Listen to an expert panel on hospitality/customer service, logistics, and building a supportive team.
Speakers
Empower Series 2023 Spring Speakers presented by Verizon:
Diane Primo
CEO, Purpose Brand
Adrienne Mcfarland
Director of Small Business, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Christine Saffold
Founder & CEO, Chama Capital
Chris Johnson
Senior Business Ally, Allies for Community Business
Ronald Milsap
Director, BMO
Afrika Porter
Principal and CEO, Afrika Enterprises
Dr. Brian Hill
SXU Asst. Professor & Business Consultant
Cecelia Cuff
Founder & CEO The Nascent Group owner, Bronzeville Winery
Johnathan Swain
Johnathan Swain
Director, Eat, Drink and Be Events
LaForce Baker
VP of Community Impact,
World Business Chicago
ABOUT Community impact @ world business chicago
The Community Impact team offers supportive services and programming to uplift Chicago's South and West sides business ecosystems. The WBC Community Impact team hosts three flagship events yearly that help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and scale.
CI Focus Areas
The Community Impact team offers supportive services and programming to uplift Chicago's South and West sides business ecosystems. The WBC Community Impact team hosts three flagship events yearly that help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and scale.
Attracting large companies to the South & West sides of Chicago
Working with developers to build the spaces needed on the South & West sides of Chicago
Building capacity for established businesses on the South & West sides of Chicago to stay and grow
For general inquiries, event details, program information, and accessibility arrangements, please reach out to us at:
Phone (312) 553-0500
Email communityimpact@worldbusinesschicago.com
Get Social - #EmpowerChi
