Articles filed under Small Business

Show Articles : next 20

Schaumburg Farmers Market to open June 7 May 23, 2013 12:00 AM
Schaumburg's Farmers Market will open its 2013 season on Friday, June 7 and run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through the end of October. The market is located at 190 S. Roselle Road in the parking lot of the Trickster Gallery in Town Square.
Des Plaines residents call out banquet hall owner May 23, 2013 12:00 AM
“I kill my competition. That’s my job.” That was Tom Diamond, the owner of Fountain Blue banquet facility in Des Plaines, six years ago defending his opposition to a Kildeer banquet hall's plans for a permanent outdoor tent near his home. Now it’s Diamond seeking, and receiving, approval for an outdoor tent against the wishes of area residents.
Schaumburg launches ‘micro’ loan program May 22, 2013 12:00 AM
A longtime Schaumburg resident, still relatively new to having to pay a municipal property tax, felt his hackles rise when his April water bill included news that the village was offering forgivable $10,000 loans to small business owners. But the microenterprise loan program is funded by the federal government, not local taxpayers, officials say.
New owner could take over BlackFinn by next week May 22, 2013 12:00 AM
Naperville businessman and restaurateur Jim Bergeron could be taking over BlackFinn American Saloon as soon as next week. City council members Tuesday approved a late-night liquor permit for Bergeron, one of the final steps before he officially can take ownership of the troubled downtown establishment he identified only by its address: "16 W. Jefferson."
Des Plaines economic development director resigns May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
Des Plaines’ Community and Economic Development Director Alex Dambach resigned Tuesday to pursue other career interests after serving in that role for less than a year. His last day is May 31. The search for his replacement will begin immediately, City Manager Mike Bartholomew said in a news release.
Motorola’s longest employee part of legendary products May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Kukec's People features 91-year-old Chester Matusek, a 57-year employee at Motorola Inc. and now Motorola Solutions. He's survived massive layoffs, technology evolutions, and multiple CEOs. Over the years, he has worked on metals and molds to help shape some of the company's legendary devices, from the first cell phone to other products. He's now repairing devices, such as World War II walkie talkies for the company's museum. And he plans to continue working.
Des Plaines council grants extension to outdoor tent May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
In a 5-3 decision that was met with boos and disappointment from residents, the Des Plaines City Council on Monday night extended a conditional use permit allowing a controversial outdoor tent at the Fountain Blue banquet hall to remain for 18 more months.
ScholarBuys grows in Carpentersville May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
ScholarBuys in Carpentersville markets software licensing and similar technology to K12 and higher education institutions nationwide. We talk to the owners about how the business is growing.
Rosemont launches lunchtime bus service hoping to help restaurants May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Rosemont is beginning a lunchtime bus service Monday that will transport workers from village office parks to area restaurants. The service - free for riders - will help reduce lunchtime traffic congestion on village roads and eliminate the hassle of workers having to drive or search for parking during their limited lunch hour, Mayor Bradley Stephens said.
Your social media initiatives should follow customers’ leadMay 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Still uncertain about social media and your business? Your next step may be to ask your customers which social media platforms they use. Small Business Columnist Jim Kendall looks at the issue of social media.
Proceeds from Naperville man's toy sales help battle muscular dystrophy May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
As Naperville resident Marty Karlin watched his son, Ryan, 10, grow weaker from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, he wanted to raise awareness and funds for research to combat the disease. He and his family came up with ShtankOut, a plush toy that doubles as an odor eliminator in kids gym bags, lockers, closets and other smelly places. A portion of the $4.99 to $5.99 price for every one goes toward research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy,
Indoor skydiving coming to Rosemont May 19, 2013 12:00 AM
By next spring, visitors to Rosemont’s restaurant and entertainment district will be able to satisfy more than just a craving for food and beverages, comic relief and shopping — they can get their thrills by jumping off a nearly 70-foot-tall building. Plans for a new indoor skydiving facility will go before the village board in June.
Retiring boomers driving sales of small businesses May 19, 2013 12:00 AM
Baby boomers preparing for retirement are driving a surge in small business sales, as they find more and more buyers confident enough in the improving economy to expand their own businesses through acquisitions. In the first three months of this year, the number of sales that closed jumped 56 percent from the same time in 2012, according to BizBuySell.com, an online marketplace for small businesses.
Magnificent animals in Arlington Hts. May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
The Budweiser Clydesdale horses were in Arlington Heights on Friday, performing for the employees at City Beverage, which is a wholesale distributor of Anheuser Busch beverages.
Milwaukee backs off tossed bra ban for historic bar May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
A historic Milwaukee bowling alley and bar almost went without the appropriate support after a city inspector decided dozens of bras hanging from its ceiling were a fire hazard.
New eatery on tap for Des Plaines' Metropolitan Square May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
Tap House Grill is looking to take over the former Cheeseburger in Paradise site in Des Plaines' Metropolitan Square. The eatery already operates eight restaurants in the Chicago area. The proposal received a green light from the city's Economic Development Commission earlier this week and plans for the downtown location will be reviewed by the city council at its first meeting in June.
Star Cinema Grill opens next month in Arlington Hts. May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Construction crews are working around the clock to get Star Cinema Grill, a new dine-in movie theater in downtown Arlington Heights, ready to open next month.The theater at 53 S. Evergreen is scheduled to open between June 7 and June 14, missing the big Memorial Day weekend, but ready for the rest of the summer movie season.
Batavia mulling offers to buy, redevelop downtown building May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
The City of Batavia has received two proposals to take the Thomle Building off its hands. One would put in a martini bar; the other would combine it with the building next door, for shops and apartments.
Mundelein weighing go-kart plan, but some trustees have concerns May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
A proposal for an outdoor go-kart track in Mundelein is moving forward despite reservations from several village board members. Safety was a big concern for trustees reviewing the plan Monday. So was noise from the gas-powered vehicles, 10 of which would be allowed to race simultaneously.
Animal shelter and adoption facility coming to Palatine May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
Despite concerns from a few neighboring businesses over noise and odors, an animal shelter and adoption facility has received unanimous approval to open in Palatine. Barb's Precious Rescue and Adoption Center will house up to 50 cats and six dogs in an old farm house at 313 N. Quentin Road. "I think I can offer the village of Palatine a solution for animal control in a very professional manner," said owner Barbara Weber.