Afropreneur solutionist Christyn Henson business growth and Wed's Take the Plunge success conference!

FIVE QUICK QUESTIONS with Project Forward's Christyn Henson, a business solutionist responsible for nearly $5 million in small business capitalization and networking/social events drawing thousands!

1. What are the biggest barriers which businesses face? 

Register here> Take the Plunge Conference 

Biggest barriers for small business is working on their business, not in their business. Small business owners are often doing whatever it is they do, instead of being able to be above the weeds. We often get bogged down because roles and responsibilities seldom get defined, assigned and measured.

2. Whats the main difference between good and GREAT ENTREPRENEURS? 
Difference between good and great is coach-ability. Businesses and business owners that are unwilling to bend in will fail.
Most business owners are stubborn, which is required but being too stubborn can be death.
Coachability doesn't just mean blindly accepting what anyone tells you, but having enough discernment to know what advice to apply and when versus just letting that info pass.

3. What is REAL BUSINESS NETWORKING about? Real business networking is about understanding the value that you bring to the table.  Networking is about adding value,  not making a fake connection. What can you offer someone? What value do you bring? But in order to really do that, you need to understand your value. You need to be able to express your value. You also need to know what you need. Small businesses look at a lot of companies as competition, when in reality there should be more collaboration. Networking is about finding ways for collaboration, which should end up eventually in having a financial impact.

4. How is the way we do business changing? The way we're doing business is changing as businesses need to become more dynamic. Small businesses need to be nimble and ahead of trends so they can become more proactive, instead of reactive. What that means is systems need to be in place, a strong foundation is needed so the core of what is done doesn't completely change (or maybe it does) but the implimentation or service delivery modifies. This is nimbleness needs to be embraced by our businesses in order to survive. 

5. What tool will people leave your conference with? 
Tools to get your business in gear and moving forward. Most often two things stop entrepreneurs: what they don't know and what they think they know. What they don' t know can be fixed by increasing access to information. 
What they think they know, is harder. That's internal. That has to do most often with self imposed barriers. That's fear. Hopefully, the information, the people and the struggle of others will shed light on what they think they know, help them get out of their own way, project their thinking forward and take the plunge into success!


Itinerary 

Real pertinent and structured networking opportunities to grow your business. If you don't feel comfortable networking, don't worry, we'll show you how during our personality powered networking session, with Konveau.

Itinerary

8:30am  - Doors Open

9:00am - Welcome Address

9:15am - Personality Powered Networking, sponsored by Konveau

Many times, we have the opportunity to connect with someone but we don't always know how to break the ice. This skill is imperative in business. Enjoy a networking breakfast and meet some people who you can work with during your business growth.

10:15am - Money Talks Panel featuring various bankers, business owners and financial experts who will give the real deal regarding loans and other types of financing. Nothing is off limits here!

11:30am Lunch & Learn - Join us for an intimate conversation with Rachel Bernier - Green of 'Lane's Bake Shop. We'll talk the good, the bad and the ugly of entreprenuership.

12:45pm Contracts and Procurement - What would $100,000 contract do for your business? It could take you to the next level, right? Now you just need to meet these buyers and business and learn about how they not only have contracts, but can also work with you to build your business.

1:45pm Closing

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$25 early bird admission, and $35 in advance, $45 at the door.

Seedfolks shows us how we grow

Seedfolks Trailer from Chicago Children's Theatre on Vimeo.
She leads on a journey of transformations as she shows how us how planting seeds sows change....

Click here: Show ticket info

100s of craft beers; mouthwatering foods; live music and DJs at the Hyde Park Beer Fest

THIRD ANNUAL HYDE PARK BREW FEST 


TAKES PLACE JUNE 4-5, 2016 AT 53rd STREET’s HARPER COURT AND S. HARPER AVENUE Chicago, IL

Sponsored by the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and #EatDrinkandBe Events, the third Annual Hyde Park Brew Fest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 45, 2016, at 53 rd Street’s Harper Court development, 5235 S. Harper Court, Chicago, and portions of S. Harper Avenue.







The popular festival will include 100+ craft beers and ciders to sample; food from local Hyde Park restaurants including A10, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Ja’ Grill, Kilwins, Native Foods, and Porkchop; live music and DJs; and an artist vendor area curated by the Hyde Park store, The Silver Room.

Wallace E. Goode, Jr., Executive Director of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, stated, “The Hyde Park Brew Fest has quickly become a local tradition, and we’re looking forward to an even larger turnout this year.” Jonathan T. Swain, event codirector added, “With more local and national breweries participating in the event, the Hyde Park Brew Fest will be a weekend-long celebration you won’t want to miss. With food, music, and artist vendors, the event is perfect for the whole family – and not just beer aficionados.”

Some of the participating brewers include 51 st Ward Beer Company, Ale Syndicate, Blue Nose Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, Deschutes Brewery, Forbidden Root, Lake Effect Brewing Company, Magic Hat, Revolution Brewing, Temperance Beer Co., and many others.


Brew Fest hours are 12-10 p.m. on Saturday and 12-8 p.m. on Sunday, with beer sampling available from 1-7 p.m. each day.
















General fest admission is free, but paid passes and tasting tickets are required for access to the sampling area for beer tasting, with pass prices ranging from $25 to $60.  Tickets only available for those 21 and over with valid ID. All sales are final; tickets are day specific, non-transferable, and cannot be shared. For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to  hpbrewfest.com . ###

Mother of slain 9 yr old #TyshawnLee allegedly uses funeral donations to purchase car

In a bizarre series of happenings which as further tragedy to the death of 9 years young Tyshawn Lee, it appears now that funds meant to be used for his funeral expenses have been instead used by his mother to purchase an automobile.

 Rumblings first appeared via on Instagram, where Lee apparently went back and forth with people over having been seen at a Nissan dealership. Accusations on fb eventually led CBC to the page labeled Help Me Lay My Child To Rest and made these accusatory posts:

As stated above, actual arguments about the purchase itself between donators and Lee's friends had already appeared on Instagram

Tyshawn's Lee's father, Pierre Stokes under his Instagram screen name Wooh Gotti, released this statement, ironically or perhaps tragically enough asking for more money....







































Finally after virus level posts concerning this story appeared on our Culture of Black Chicago Fb page, they attracted the attention of one page fan who led us to startling video of Karla Lee herself seeming to justify the purchase as something her NINE YEAR OLD child would have ordained...

If u not supporting leave me alone

A video posted by @karla_lee26 on Nov 6, 2015 at 10:33pm PST

RIP, #TyshawnLee, your peace seems well deserved.

Kyemah McEntyre and the statement behind her gorgeous self designed #afrocentric prom dress- an internet sensation

I'm Kyemah McEntyre, I am 18 years old and I am undoubtedly of African Descent. As an artist I have a completely different point of view compared to most individuals. I am extremely analytical and observant. Throughout the world, we have people who do not notice each others essence and humanity. We Stunt our collective spiritual growth by allowing assumptions and stereotypes to cloud our mind and thus our physical reality. We let these negative ideas get the best of us, and in turn a world of isolation is manifested by our lack of sensitivity and desire to sympathize with each other. This results in a world in which people live within the confines of their own space, isolated from each other and separated from the rest of the world.Sometimes we get trapped in our own prejudice ways. We don't notice how the idea of a particular type of person changes the way we live our lives. The most creative people are the ones who step out of their comfort zone and take advantage of the world around them. My abilities as an artist allows me to experience the benefits that versatility fosters. Being exposed to all kinds of people and cultures is the muse for my artwork. I am an aspiring artist who is very passionate about the connection between art and the world. I believe that in order for society to gain a wider horizon, we have to be willing to acknowledge other people from differences, beliefs, morals, and values. I would like to take this moment to say that you have to understand who you are because if you leave that space open, you leave your identity in the hands of society. Don't let anyone define you. Beautiful things happen when you take pride in yourself. #blackgirlsrock #kyebreaktheinternet

A photo posted by Kyemah McEntyre (@mindofkye) on Jun 6, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT

South Shore business owners SSA#49 wants to give you $5000 !!!!

South Shore biz owners- SSA 49 wants to give you $5,000!
Message:"If you or someone you know owns a business in SSA 49, please let us know! We are giving $5000 grants to 8 business owners who want to beautify or fix their storefronts. Applications due June 30th!"
Download applications at: http://www.ssa49.org/

Not sure if you live in SSA49?
SSA #49 as indicated in dark blue on the map:
+ Exchange Ave. from 71st to 79th Streets
+ 75th from Paxton to South Shore drive
+ 79th from Paxton to South Shore Drive

For more direct questions and inquiries please email:
Allyson Scrutchens: Allyson@farsouthcdc.org.

‪#‎blackmarketchi‬
‪#‎blackbizchicago‬

Sib's Breakfast Club Creator talks about Black Men Stand Up and her support of the Afroprenuers and Culturevators of Chicago.#4questions

4Questions

1.Why Black Men Stand Up and how does it fit in with the mission of Sib's Breakfast Club?

-I feel that one of the MAIN reasons for the lack of…..everything in the black community is the way that our black men have been mistreated. I do not have this event to say I do not focus on women in business. I want our black men to know that we need them, we understand what you are going through and we are here for you. Black men are physically the stronger being. We as black women need them as husbands, fathers, uncles, brothers, friends, etc… If we can let the media know that we support our men, I feel that they will no longer try to break our men down. This is event is simply a thank you to the Men that helped me become a strong women and the men that help me now. This fits in my mission because I support black business. Our black men need us as strong help mates. That is what I bring to the table.

2. Any such events planned for the glorious Black woman of Chicago?

-I am connected to so many brilliant women that are making so many powerful moves. Every month, I work with several women. I consistently assist with women movements and events so right now that is not my focus. I want to make more of an effort to continue to assist other women their respective events and movements. 

3. How can we improve the business climate for afroprenuers in Chicago?

One thing I want to say first is that Chicago does support. 
How can we improve?
I feel that we should stop focusing on what we don’t do and put the spotlight on what we do have going on as “afroprenuers”. I have found that I am still here because I really truly love what I do. I love helping my people.. Stay true to your grind and everything will fall into place. I feel that the afroprenuers have to realize that they are open for business because others made an effort to support them. With that being said, treat your customers right and they will treat you right. They own you nothing. You owe them! One more thing….stop thinking that someone owes you something in business. If it’s your business…OWN IT!

4. What’s next for Sib's Breakfast Club?

After my June 20th 4th Annual Black Men Stand Up event I will be on break until September. September will be my 7 year anniversary celebration. I am very excited about that! I will take the time this summer to prepare for that event. My main focus is to work with my SIB’S Breakfast Club members. I have several new members that are having grand openings, businesses anniversaries and some that just need help to get more exposure. That is my TOP priority.

Check out Sib's Breakfast Club with a click