Events for Start-Up & Emerging Businesses

Grow your business today with the help of the WBDC. Register for their upcoming events and workshops to gain knowledge and insight about launching and growing your business.

It's the perfect opportunity to ignite your business growth!

Start-Up Workshop - Nov. 1, 6, 15, 20, 27,29 (Mondays 5-6pm, Wednesdays 10-11am)

Are you eager to start your own business but don't know where to begin? Or perhaps you already have a business idea and need guidance on the next steps. This workshop is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking actionable insights. Click here to register: Events - Women's Business Development Center (wbdc.org)

Starting Your Business in Illinois - Nov. 15 @ 10 - 11am (in person)

Are you considering starting a business in Illinois? During this in-person workshop, you will complete an initial assessment to help you recognize your start-up strengths, introduce you to five basic start-up steps, and review the legal entities recommended for start-ups. Presented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the WBDC. Click here to register:  https://tinyurl.com/startinginIL

Childcare Businesses - Nov. 22 @ 6:30-7:30pm - Monthly Collaborative

Childcare Collaborative is a business growth-oriented program presenting relevant topics for childcare providers at all stages of the business lifecycle. Offered on the 4th Wednesday of each month, Collaborative delivers expert led training and resources, industry trends, peer networking opportunities, and an on-going partnership supporting participants' business goals.  Click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/childcarecollab

______________________________________________________________________

Resources for Manufacturers

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The hands-on team at IMEC works closely with clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization including:

• Leading their company
• Planning for success
• Growing their business
• Improving their operations
• Focusing on their people
• Deciding with data

IMEC has more than 50 full-time staff and partners statewide. They assist more than 1,500 companies each year with successful business improvement projects. As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1 which is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient. 

Click here to learn more about IMEC and to see a list of upcoming events: https://www.imec.org/about-imec/

______________________________________________________________________

Illinois' New Paid Leave Law - Effective Jan. 1 2024

Illinois employers will be required to offer 40 hours of paid leave to every employee

Beginning January 1, 2024, Illinois will be the third state in the nation to mandate 40 hours of paid time off to be used for any reason during a 12 month period.

Under existing law, workers are not guaranteed pay when taking time off for sick leave, childcare, mental health reasons, medical appointments, vacation, or any other reason. Starting on March 31st, 2024, or 90 days following commencement of employment, workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer under the Paid Leave for Workers Act.

This new law applies to every employee working for an employer in Illinois, including domestic workers, but does exclude independent contractors. The City of Chicago and Cook County have an existing paid sick leave ordinance in place; employees and employers in those two geographic regions will be subject to those ordinances. The law will also exempt employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in the construction industry and parcel delivery industry.

The legislation provides that paid leave shall accrue at the rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked. Employees will be paid their full wage while on leave and tipped workers will be paid the minimum wage in their respective locale. An employer cannot require an employee to find their replacement for the leave.

For more information and webinars explaining the new law, go to https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/paidleave.html

___________________________________________________________________

Looking to Install a Sign for Your Business?

Most Signs Require a Permit!

Here are a few rules to be aware of:

• Window signs may not be larger/cover more than 50% of any one window
• A-frame signs require permits and must be kept near the business and off of the parkway, and must by removed by the close of each business day
• Grand Opening signs are allowed, but also require a permit

• Marquee, scrolling, flashing or crawling signs
• Box signs over 12 inches in height
• Inflatable signs, pennants or feather signs
• Painted wall signage
• Pole-mounted, roof top and vehicle signs

* Please also remember to remove any bird nests from any signs or letters
For more details, you can review the Hanover Park Sign Code here:
https://library.municode.com/IL/Hanover%20Park/CODES/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CH6SICO