office hours
one-on-one sessions with peer, small biz experts
What are office hours?
Office hours are an opportunity to get one-on-one advice for your small business, freelance practice, or other independent pursuit. Simply sign up for a 30-minute time to chat through your questions about a particular topic. There is no cost to participate!
About the hosts
Office hours hosts are your peers, fellow Chicago small biz owners, who are experts in a topic and want to share their knowledge with their community. You’ll have the chance to get advice from brand designers, small biz lawyers, marketing pros, and more.
Who can sign up?
Office hours are for small business owners, freelancers, or anyone building something independently who also identify as women, people of color, queer, trans, and/or disabled.
Why?
Because sharing knowledge freely and openly is one of the best ways we can build Chicago’s small economy.
sign up for upcoming office hours
Business management, finances, and HR
Lenise S. Lee (she/her) is the CEO of Collective Initiatives Inc., a nonprofit that provides Business Management & Operations Support Services, in addition to partnering with organizations around Community Development Initiatives. She founded the organization in 2019 to foster economic development in under-resourced communities. Lenise is a native of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
Topics Lenise covers: Organizational development, online business development, financial management & bookkeeping, and HR support
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Prioritization and profitability
Mel McSherry (she/they) is an International Business Guide, Speaker & Author. Since 2010, she has launched two successful businesses, become a 2x published author, and created a true life by design, all while raising her son. Mel focuses on bridging the gap between intuition and strategy to help small business owners to become profitable; mentally, emotionally and financially.
Topics Mel covers: Prioritization, time management, mental, emotional and financial Profitability, professional growth
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Start-up and business insurance
Anna Maria Viti-Welch (she/her) is the president of The Viti Companies, a third-generation, family-owned business. They help businesses with group health and other ancillary lines along with General Liability, Property, Workers Compensation, E&O, Product Liability, Cyber, and any other coverages a business might need. Anna Maria likes to educate clients to help them understand the confusing world of insurance through workshops, presentations, and office hours.
Topics Anna Maria covers: Start-up and business insurance