Small Business Coaching
Small Business coaching for you!
At Center For Changing Lives, we believe that we need to support small businesses to achieve economic vitality.
We work with entrepreneurs and small business owners from throughout Chicago with a focus near our main office in Logan Square/Humboldt Park and near our South Chicago co-location office.
Also we encourage you to support local businesses and shop small!
Additionally, we offer Small Business Support & Coaching to connect you to the resources you need, whether you are launching your entrepreneurial dream, or if you are a long-standing business owner.
Reach out to us today at frontdesk@cclconnect.org or call 773-342-6210 to get started with Center for Changing Lives!
Or, click below to sign up for services!
Resources and Workshops
Center for Changing Lives is an Economic Empowerment Center (EEC) with the State of Illinois DCEO-OE3
FREE Entrepreneurship Training for Illinois residents to gain essential skills, resources, networks, and support to start and grow a business—at no cost!
Government contracting
QuickBooks
Trademarks
Certifications
Business ownership
Worker cooperatives
Loan processes
Taxes
And, much more!
Business 101 (Beginner) Cohorts are now closed. The Advanced Cohort in English is also closed. If you are interested in an Advanced Cohort in Spanish you can learn more here!
Center for Changing Lives is a Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) with the City of Chicago!
CCL Small Business Coaching Services available as an NDBC include:
Applying for business licenses and public way use permits
Helping navigate City government
Developing or refining business plans
Marketing assistance
Access and referrals to additional resources
Connections to interns/employees
Connections to worker co-ops
And, much more!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Essentials
In partnership with Unidos US, CCL is offering Google’s AI Essentials Certification program! This program helps you use AI to enhance your skills and productivity, with no prior AI experience needed!
We are currently accepting participants on a rolling basis! You must complete modules within 5 weeks of beginning to obtain your certificate.
Modules:
Module 1: Introduction to AI
Module 2: Maximize Productivity with AI Tools
Module 3: Discover the Art of Prompt Engineering
Module 4: Use AI Responsibly
Module 5: Stay Ahead of the AI Curve
First step is to sign up for a new Member Orientation! Become a CCL Member to access this & other resources!
Funding Fundamentals: Preparing for Small Business Lending
Join this free 8-week hybrid cohort to explore financing options, create loan application sections, and learn strategies for sustainable financial growth in weekly 2-hour sessions.
Course topics:
Understanding the U.S. Financial Framework
Financial Management
Alternative Funding Options
Preparing Your Business for Funding
Crafting a Business Plan for Loan Approval
...And more!
Let us know if you want to join an upcoming cohort!
B2B & Wholesale Coaching
Scale your business effectively!
Center for Changing Lives offers small business owners expert coaching and a clear pathway to scale their products into retail and wholesale markets. Entrepreneurs working with our team gain tailored support through a 4-stage framework that increases their readiness and competitiveness for opportunities with major retailers like Walmart and beyond.
Our small business coaching team is actively deepening its expertise through specialized workshops and in-depth training to better support entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of B2B and wholesale growth.
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Walmart and LISC.
Reach out if you are ready to scale up!
Learn more about Worker Co-Ops here
CCL Small Business Coaching will help you understand what a worker co-op is and how this can support you in your entrepreneurial work.
Worker cooperatives are values-driven businesses that put worker and community benefit at the core of their purpose.
There are distinct models, such as; Producer Cooperatives, Consumer Cooperatives, and Purchasing Cooperatives.
Prospects for worker cooperatives have grown increasingly due to labor movement efforts of the past and newer governmental rules & regulations.
Gain a general understanding of what cooperative models exist and how they work and operate!
Reach out to us for a 1:1 session on worker cooperatives!
Sign up for Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready Resources.
A CCL Small Business Coach can support you in signing up for the Small Business Digital Ready Program.
Let us help you in sustaining or achieving your Entrepreneurial Dream.
Right now there is a FREE toolkit available for entrepreneurs to help you maximize your digital skills!
You can access the toolkit and other resources here
Reach out to get started or receive support at frontdesk@cclconnect.org or call 773-342-6210.
Looking for an intern?
Check out our Google IT programs and get connected to the intern you need!
This is an opportunity to help our members progress and develop their skills. Plus, supporting neighbors is a great way to create a community where everyone thrives!
Reach out today through email or call us at 773-342-6210 to connect with your CCL IT Intern!