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A how-to blog for Chicago business
What to Consider When Applying for a Small Business Loan
So, you’re ready to get a loan to help enhance and grow your small business, but you aren’t quite sure where to start. Here's what you should ask yourself first. Read »
The Unheralded Startup Co-Founders: Friends and Family
The story of the entrepreneur is an almost mythological one in American society. Jobs, Zuckerberg and Gates are rightly revered by many because of their ingenuity, tenacity, and ability to succeed despite the... Read »
How to be an Award-Winning CIO
On May 16, I received the award for the 2013 CIO of the Year by The Executives’ Club of Chicago, AITP and SIM. This is a great honor considering the competition from several CIOs of Fortune 100 companies in the... Read »
How to Choose the Right Cofounder For Your Startup
Business partnerships are pseudo-marriages, and finding a cofounder who complements you can be as grueling as dating. However, the relationship between partners can be the deciding factor in a startup’s success.... Read »
How to Turn Down a Job Offer
It happens. You’ve been interviewed two or more times and they’ve been coy about the compensation, or hazy about some of the specifics. Either that, or everything seems great and then you suddenly get... Read »
Two Non-Profits with a Twist are Worth a Look
Lately, I have taken an interest in finding charities that exude both an altruistic and entrepreneurial spirit. There is absolutely nothing wrong with accepting online donations, but I am interested in... Read »
How Your Startup Can Give Back
As the founder of a Chicago public relations firm that has worked with many startups and small businesses, I know that gaining traction, users and interest from potential investors are all top priorities. But it... Read »
How to Find the Right Support System for Your Startup
A support system is critical to the success of a startup. In meeting with early- and late-stage startups over the past several months, I’ve realized that the most successful startups have a solid foundation and... Read »
Why You Should Embrace 'Summer Brain'
Whether you have kids or know summer around the corner-- it is fast approaching anyway. It’s the time of year when people you do business with transform into beings you don’t recognize -- especially those... Read »
Why Startups Shouldn't Have a VC Mentality
Some friends in college invented a beer tap. It poured beer faster with less foam. If your business involves pouring beer, you'd make more money using this device. They won $10,000 in an inventor contest,... Read »
About
NBC Chicago's "How-To" start up blog aims to help your entrepreneurial idea germinate and grow into a fully functioning business. Lean on our experts, ask questions and find out best practices to take your passion project professional.
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Photos & Videos
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Spotlight: Guaranteed Rate
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CEO Spotlight: Enova's David Fisher
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Rahm Lauds Tech Incubator 1871
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Spring Clean Your Career
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Spotlight: Redbox Instant's Amy Gibby
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Ask an Owner: Work on Business, Not in Business
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Ask an Owner: Keep an Eye on the Money
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Ask an Owner: Have a Clear Branding, Marketing Strategy
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Ask an Owner: Why You Need to Delegate Tasks
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Ask An Owner: The Biggest Lesson Learned
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Ask an Owner: Share Your Idea
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Just One Drink: Chef Stephanie Izard
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Spotlight: Baird Capital Venture Partners
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Spotlight: Discover Card's Mike Boush
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CEO Spotlight: Threadless Founder Jake Nickell
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CEO Spotlight: kCura's Andrew Sieja
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Spotlight: Sertifi's John and Nick Stojka
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Just One Drink: Chef Fabio Viviani
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'Salsa Truck' Gets City's First License for Onboard Cooking
What We Cover
See more What We Cover
Pets
Some officials have estimated the City of Chicago's dog population to be somewhere around 500,000. Add in all the cats, fish and birds and you've got yourself an industry just begging -- and barking -- to be...
Fashion
There are plenty of questions for a fledgling fashionista to answer. Never fear: We've got the goods.
Marketing
Good luck making a dent in the public conscience if you don't have marketing and branding plan to get your message out.
Food Business
Experts say 90 percent of new restaurants fail in their first year of operation. You want to be the 10 percent that makes it. But how?
Most Popular
- How to be an Award-Winning CIO
- The Unheralded Startup Co-Founders: Friends and Family
- Why You Should Use QR Codes (Really)
- How to Create a Social Media Campaign
- Try This: Harvard Business School’s Elevator Pitch Builder
Authors
David Wolinsky
David Wolinsky is a freelance writer, lifelong Chicagoan, and reasonably handsome business-study scion.
Kim Vatis
Kim Vatis joined NBC5 News in 1997. She currently Anchors the weekend morning newscasts, is general assignment reporter and special projects reporter for the 10 PM newscasts.
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