The Simple Blueprint for Writing a Business Plan That Actually Works
Writing a business plan shouldn’t feel like a bureaucratic exercise. It’s a blueprint for decision-making, funding, and growth — a working document that turns ideas into a testable, fundable, and repeatable business model. The best plans aren’t long; they’re clear, aligned, and built to drive action.Key Insights to Remember Keep it short, specific, and measurable — investors read signals, not fluff. Anchor the plan in real data, not assumptions. Define the problem first, then your unique way of solving
Staying Ready: How Smart Founders Protect Their Business from the Unexpected
Running a business in a community as vibrant as Lincoln Square Ravenswood means more than great ideas and good coffee—it means balancing growth with resilience. Smart founders understand that risk management isn’t about paranoia; it’s about preparation. Whether you’re running a retail shop on Lincoln Avenue or scaling a tech startup nearby, anticipating risks helps you protect what you’ve built. TL;DR Risk management = foresight, not fear. Identify, quantify, and prioritize threats before they
Hire Like It Matters: Building the Team That’ll Carry Your Business, Not Break It
Starting a business? Congratulations — now the real hiring begins. That first wave of employees isn’t just a skills checklist. It’s your future culture, your capacity for chaos, your best shot at scaling or stumbling. One hire too fast and you’ve got internal friction. Too slow and you’ll choke your own growth. This isn’t about filling seats. It’s about placing bets — smart ones. Hiring well in the early stages protects your vision, absorbs operational shocks, and gives you leverage. It’s how scrappy
Open a Restaurant Without Going Broke: Practical Moves That Cut Costs, Not Corners
Starting a restaurant is thrilling—but financially brutal if you go in unprepared. It’s not just the ovens and permits. It’s the small, constant decisions that tip you into debt or keep you above water. Whether you’re plotting a corner taco spot or a sleek new bistro, the same question haunts everyone: how do you open without burning through your life savings? It starts with strategy. You can open lean. You can stay sane. But only if you treat every dollar like it has a job—and every decision like it has
Union Dumpling House Taking Over Former Home of Gather in Lincoln Square
A new dumpling spot is taking over the former home of Gather in Lincoln Square this summer. In December, the owners of Gather, 4539 N. Lincoln Ave., closed the business after 12 years without offering a reason. Last week, neighbors noticed new signs at the address announcing Union Dumpling House taking over the spot. Click here to read the full article.
Chicago, IL Businesses: What to Know About the CTA, BOI and FinCEN Changes
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Startup Magic: Transforming Wearable Tech Through Rapid Prototyping
In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, startups are at the forefront of transforming wearable tech through rapid prototyping. Imagine a landscape where new, customized devices are not just ideas in a designer’s mind but swiftly brought to life, tested, and iterated upon—all within remarkably short timelines. This revolution isn’t just about faster processes; it’s about rethinking what’s possible in wearable technology. Dive into this article to uncover how rapid prototyping is the
Mastering the Digital Frontier: The Blueprint for Starting a Remote Company
In today's digital landscape, the concept of a traditional workplace is rapidly evolving. More businesses are shifting toward remote operations, opening doors to global talent, increased flexibility, and reduced overhead costs. However, establishing a fully-remote company comes with unique challenges. This article delves into the intricacies of this process and provides a comprehensive guide on how to successfully start a fully-remote company. Choose the Right Business Model The first step
