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Legal Advice Every Chicago Small Business Owner Should Hear

There are millions of residents in the city of Chicago. So, in theory, there also are millions of business opportunities – – from selling diapers to dentures, and countless products and services to the consumers in and between the age groups for those products. To serve local residents and others, there are about 7,000 restaurants in the city and hundreds of entertainment outlets. The potential to make money in Chicago is very appealing to many. In fact, in June 2018, there were more than 62,000 active business licenses in “Chi-Town.” If you own a small business, these business lawyers in Chicago say there are a few things you should keep in mind:

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1. Choosing a name for your business

As the owner of a business that is based in, or legally operates from, the city of Chicago, there are a number of proximity-based requirements and options for you to consider. You must decide what products or services your business will sell and select a name for that business. You also must determine whether the business will be a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation or a C Corporation.

2. Register your business

There are a number of government agencies to help you get started and established along the path of making money and paying taxes. You must register the name of your new enterprise. Also, a business license from the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is mandatory.

Whether you formed a corporation or are operating under an assumed name, your business will need to be registered with the Clerk of Cook County. That telephone number is 312-603-7790. You also need to register with the Illinois Secretary of State, if you plan to do business in the state of Illinois. That telephone number is 312-793-3380. If you plan to sell products or services to customers in the state of Illinois, you also will need an account identification number from the Illinois Department of Revenue. That telephone number is 800-732-8866.

3. IRS registration

You also need to develop a relationship with the federal government. You should get an employer identification number (EIN) from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). That number is 800-829-4933.

4.  Register for utilities

Depending upon the type of business you have decided to form and pursue, you may need business license inspections, to pay for water, recycling and/or sanitation, to meet property zoning requirements before you open and will move to a new location, to familiarize yourself with standing or loading zones and valet parking requirements, received the right building permits for your construction-related activities, and/or a permit for your commercial driveway, if needed.

The good news is that as you are paying for licenses, permits, employees, and more, many of the entities that charge for registrations also may provide opportunities for you to get that money back and more, in the form of government purchases or contracts.

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Small and large businesses May win contracts from the city of Chicago, Cook County, State of Illinois, federal government and other local entities. The Chicago Park District, the Chicago public schools and other public entities offer a contractual opportunities. Federal contracts also may be available through the Chicago Housing Authority. Take advantage of the help.

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How to Create a Home Office Where Your Business Can Thrive

Working from home can be exciting because of the opportunity for comfort and efficiency. Additionally, it also provides the flexibility of setting a convenient schedule that saves time and resources that could have been lost while commuting. However, creating a home office can be very challenging. This is because productivity can be compromised when the office is too casual or not effectively separated from the home environment. A successful home office should promote effectiveness different from the traditional work environment. Although comfort is paramount in a home office, an office that is too casual might hinder the ability to work efficiently. It is therefore important to separate the home office with other home functions. Additionally, apart from creating convenient office space, it is advisable to set working hours. This helps to balance tasks and increase productivity. Below are some tips from Cheap Chicago Movers (cheapchicagomovers.net) for creating a home office where business can thrive.

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1. Creating a list of office necessities

Making a detailed list of the required necessities is the first step in creating a home office. The list should include items that are essential to an office like a computer, desk, telephone etc. For instance, a graphic artist may need a small desk for the computer and larger working space for artwork. On the other hand, a consultant may need additional spaces for storage and meeting clients. When making a list, it is essential to first consider the functionality of the office.

2. Location

The list created above provides a rough idea of the amount of space required for the office. A dedicated area should be chosen for the office. Preferably, the office should be located in a quiet area. Privacy is also an important factor to consider especially when there are children, spouse or roommates involved. Setting an office in a spare room with a door can help to keep away distractions. On the other hand, if the office will involve meeting clients, it is advisable to choose a location near the entrance.

3. Creativity

In most cases, the home office has limited space which sometimes can feel overwhelming. Therefore, creativity is required to make the home office look professional. It means creating sufficient storage and ample working space. For instance, the desk can be attached with drawers for keeping files and other frequently used supplies. The main aim is to organize the small space to meet the required functionality.

4. Lighting

Lighting is paramount for any office space. It is therefore advisable to choose a location that allows plenty of natural light to create a bright working environment. If natural light is lacking, access lighting can be used instead. The advantage of access lights is that they can be placed at different locations to provide optimum lighting. For instance, overhead lights can be complemented with desk or floor lamps to concentrate the light in a specific area. When setting up the lighting, it is important to consider the position of the computer screen to prevent glare from occurring. The main objective is to create a balanced lighting that does not strain the eyes.

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Five of the Sleekest Co-Working Spaces in Downtown Chicago

The city of Chicago boasts tons of unique co-working spaces that are perfect for startups, self-employed individuals, and remote employees. Many of these co-working spaces are conveniently located downtown and provide all the normal office amenities topped with a vibrant atmosphere to spice up your work life. With more and more of these co-working spaces […]