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A how-to blog for Chicago business
A Tax Term Every Startup Should Know
For most startup owners and employees, being able to cite sections of the internal revenue code is probably not what you signed up for. But, there should be one notable exception: the 83b election. Read »
Fiscal Cliff Avoided: What Does it Mean for Small Biz Owners?
As you may have heard, the fiscal cliff was avoided, and many tax provisions were extended that are favorable to individuals and businesses. But there are some new taxes that may have an impact on business... Read »
How to Plan Year-End Taxes for Closely Held Businesses
Chicago business entrepreneurs, I am one of you. I started my CPA firm in 2009 and face some of the same business and tax issues you do (albeit armed with some knowledge of the latter). With that, I thought... Read »
Salesforce.com to Create 200 Jobs in Chicago
What the heck does the San Francisco company Salesforce.com have to do with Chicago? Well, before this week, not too much. But that’s about to change thanks to some very nice tax credits it’s getting: $10.4... Read »
How to Crowdfund Your Health Insurance
Around these parts, there's been a lot of talk about crowdsourcing to help fund businesses ever since President Obama signed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, which made it easier for startups and... Read »
Stay on Top of Your Taxes for Next Year
You have an extra day this year to get your tax documents filed. Hopefully you're not still scrambling to get them buttoned up! Once you've signed off on your returns, there are some tweaks you should make to... Read »
Most States, Including Illinois, Don't Track Tax Breaks: Report
If you're cursing the tax man this week, you aren't alone in this time zone. According to a report released Thursday by the Pew Center on the States, Illinois is among the 26 states doing an unsatisfactory... Read »
Hoffman Estates Mulls Enterprise Zone Tax Breaks
If you're thinking of starting a new business and are in the Chicago area — which you probably are if you're reading this — then you might want to consider setting up shop in scenic Hoffman Estates. Read »
How to Harness your Chamber of Commerce
Not to be smart alecky, but do you know what a chamber of commerce does? If you run your own business, you should be a little bit embarrassed -- but not too much -- if you don't. Because, guess what: A lot of... Read »
How to Take Advantage of IDES' Tax Credit Program
Over the holidays we reported on how the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs has been making great inroads towards finding veterans work. Well, now comes the other end of the equation: a reminder of why... 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?
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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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