No Cost Phone Advisory Appointments
1 hour
Cheri can help you with digital (email, social media, content) and traditional marketing, viability and commercialization analysis, budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, pricing, packaging and developing a marketing plan. Cheri will assess your current needs through a SWOT analysis, and review your branding/positioning. Cheri provides general guidance and assistance for startups and established businesses. Start up friendly.
1 hour
"BIG" Grant info as well as general guidance and assistance. For clients needing expert help with a restaurant, bar or food service business. Kevin McVearry specializes in the restaurant and hospitality industry at all levels of operations from start-up concepts to existing businesses. He has spent 25 years opening and operating restaurants, bars, and events across the country. Kevin has extensive knowledge in new venues, including design, construction, budgeting, menu development. Startup friendl
1 hour
Marge Johnsson is a high-growth business planning and revenue forecasting specialist, but also an accounting expert, who can help you with QuickBooks, business plan review, projections and financial statements. She brings 30 years of experience helping businesses of all sizes introduce new products, find new sales channels, enter new markets, and complete acquisitions. Marge is start up friendly.
1 hour
Book an appointment with Jennie Johns if you need assistance with ecommerce platforms, website, email service, and/or other technology issues. Jennie specializes in web functionality, usability and customer experience. She can assist with your technical questions regarding website creation, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Jennie has over 20 years experience in developing websites along with 8 years teaching website usability, programming, and Microsoft Office applications.
1 hour
"BIG" Grant Information as well as general guidance and assistance for startups and established businesses. Do you need help planning your new business, understanding distribution channels, structuring your sales team, or navigating the sales process? Dennis offers startups and small businesses practical advice to help you maximize sales, grow market share, and increase revenue. Dennis is "start up" friendly.
30 minutes
General guidance and assistance for startups and established businesses.
Prototyping, Makerspace and Legal Help
30 minutes
Brie A. Crawford focuses on intellectual property and entertainment law, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets both domestically and abroad. She can counsel clients as to whether IP protection is appropriate, and if so, what kind and how to secure the appropriate protection. Brie also focuses on drafting IP-related agreements. She is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
30 minutes
Founded in 1989, Lavelle Law Ltd. is one of the most respected law firms in the Chicago area. Their expertise includes business and entrepreneurial law, estate planning, divorce and family law, criminal defense, commercial and residential real estate law, banking and securities law, law practice management, bankruptcy and more. The firm generously donates time to clients of the ISBDC.