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.
Currently, we are working with some small businesses in the area, namely those owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and near our South Chicago Colocation 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
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!
English Business 101 cohort registrations are closed for now. If you are interested in the upcoming Spanish Negocios 101 Cohort, 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 through NBDC as Place-Based Generalist
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 UnidosUS, 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!
Cohort begins March 26th, 2025!
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!
Sign up for our next cohort!
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!
Sign up for our next workshop!
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!