Archive for the ‘Theatre District Business Center’ Category

Start up support

July 2, 2009

support key

Looking for ways to expand or enhance your business acumen? There are plenty of options for support and advice from companies whose business it is to keep you in business. Continuing your education is a great idea. Even if your schedule is busy, you can always find quick tips in magazines, online and by reaching out into your local community.

Reading a magazine is a refreshing way to discover information without having to be in front of a computer screen.  While on the train or waiting at an airport, pick up a copy of Inc. Magazine, “The Magazine for Growing Companies”.  Also referred to as “The Small Business Bible”, Inc. Magazine uses real life examples of business strategies, case studies, successes and failures to highlight real world solutions. The current issue features Paul Graham whose company, Y Combinator, is a hybrid venture capital fund and business school that funds and advises early-stage businesses.  Another article captures and compares the inner workings at Google and Microsoft.   

Toolkit.com is an online business owners toolkit offering “total know how” for small businesses.  We’ve recommended this site in previous blogs, but they’ve revamped and improved their site recently which makes it even better.  News stories and links direct you to the latest developments affecting small businesses.  The 200 free business documents, templates, checklists and official government forms make it easy for you to access those items from one place.

university

Your nearby college or university can also be a great resource.  Business and economics departments often conduct public outreach.  In Chicago, DePaul University’s Entrepreneurship Program at the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center offers consulting services, educational programs and resources for students and entrepreneurs throughout the city in the various stages of what they term the “Entrepreneurial Quest®”.

And if you want a good laugh to relieve you after your studies, read “Every Piece of Start Up Advice Is a Lie Including Mine” , an enlightening blog entry from one of Y Combinator’s participant entrepreneurs, Tony Right. 

Financing options for small business owners

June 16, 2009

handshake

So far in 2009, we’ve seen multiple displays of support for banks, large manufacturers and home owners struggling with the economy.  Thankfully, there is now a push to help small businesses and entrepreneurs get access to much needed funds.  The banks have taken their financial stress tests, why not take yours?  If you find your small business is in need of cash or a line of credit, there are great options out there if you know where to look and whom to ask

arc_loan_icon

This week the U.S. Small Business Association introduced a terrific resource for small business owners looking to strengthen their cash flow.  America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans are available to established, viable, for-profit businesses that need short-term help.  The best part is that ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA and have no SBA fees associated with them.

Kiva, a successful international micro-lending website, launched their US lending program this month.  Through partners like Accion USA, Kiva raises money from individual donors to fund diverse small business initiatives. American entrepreneurs who are finding funding through kiva.com include graphic designers, computer technicians and communications specialists.

Local resources also abound for small business owners.  At The Suites Collection, we have a special package for entrepreneurs on a budget.  Our “Start-Up Special” provides you with a full time private office in Chicago’s central business district or River North for under $1000 per month.  The low monthly price includes telephone, voice mail, high speed internet and on-site administrative personnel.   These offices are move-in ready so schedule a tour today and be in business tomorrow.

model law office

Another local business resource, SCORE, will host their next small business financing workshop on June 25thSign up to attend the class held at 500 W. Madison and learn about various ways you can finance your business through angel investors, banks and venture capitalists.  This practical workshop teaches you about the documents you’ll need for the different types of funding and there will be a banker available to go over other specific criteria.  There are plenty of people with resources willing to lend a hand.  Take the time to pursue these various revenue streams, and you will likely find one that benefits you. 

Innovation

May 29, 2009
New Document Review Room at Theatre Districe Business Center

New Document Review Room at Theatre District Business Center

If you are experiencing a bit of “down time” right now, you can still find ways to save or make money.  Grow your business by applying innovative strategies to develop core areas like staffing, technology and marketing.  We are taking our own advice at The Suites Collection this year and are keeping busy while instituting improvements to virtually every area of our company. 

42" Panasonic HDTVs are now located in each center.

42" Panasonic HDTVs are now located in each center.

Offering new technology and upgrading our facilities is an important way we demonstrate our commitment to our tenants’ work environment.  42” HDTVs, new office furniture and personalized artwork have been installed at each location.  Recent renovations at Theater District Business Center include new wall paper, paint and carpet and a document review room a capacity of 36.  The spacious fully furnished work space expands our ability to serve attorneys working nearby at Daley Center, State of Illinois Building, City Hall, the County Buildings and Chicago Title & Trust Center as they provide due diligence services for their clients.

Employing experienced administrative professionals has always been a core component of our business model.  We recently increased the continuity of service in these crucial positions by training all staff in the unique procedures at each location.  Because all employees are now able to accommodate particular services at each center, we can provide our tenants seamless support while strengthening our own internal flexibility.

Our "chicagooffices" profile on Twitter.com

Our "chicagooffices" profile on Twitter.com

Refreshing our marketing campaign this year has meant expansion into new avenues, such as social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.com as well as reliable “old school” forms of advertising like installing new exterior signage on each center’s building.  Whether prospects are at home or in our busy neighborhoods, we want to make sure we’re reaching those potential clients. 

We all want our businesses to succeed no matter what outside factors determine.  When the climate improves, we want to be ready and not need to waste time catching up.  It feels good to take stock and give yourself a pat on the back after a job well done.  This especially counts if the job was completed during difficult circumstances.  If you’ve been working hard this year and are feeling proud, maybe it’s time to take that next step and secure an office of your own.  We also encourage you to seek some well-deserved recognition by entering the contest for Entrepreneur Magazine’s “2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Award” contest.  Good luck!

Summer in our city

May 7, 2009

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As we bask in the day’s warming sunshine, our minds wander to the entertaining outdoor activities available for those of us lucky enough to live or work in Chicago.  From fountains and festivals to outdoor concerts and markets, we Chicagoans know how to take advantage of the perks that come along in spring and summer.  It is with great pleasure that we present The Suites Collection’s annual installment of warm weather to-dos for our tenants and friends.  Mark your calendars, we’ll meet you there!

grant-park-music-fest

Listen to beautiful music while lounging in Chicago’s “front yard” at The Grant Park Music Festival. This series of free classical music under the stars runs June 11th – August 16th.  No advance purchase needed!  Lawn and general seating in the Pritzker Pavilion is free, or if you prefer to be in the reserved forward seating area, you can make arrangements here.  Grant Park also boasts Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Celtic Fest, Viva Chicago, and many others, so visit the Mayor’s Office of Special Events to find one to your liking.

rivercruise

Court House Executive Offices, located at 101 W. Grand, is just four blocks north of the picturesque Chicago River.  Catch the great riverside views from a $2 water taxi ride or indulge in a nice evening out with dinner and dancing while cruising along the river and Lake Michigan.  Pick the trip that’s right for you by reading Yelp reviews of Chicago River cruises

Another great way to enjoy the river is to Dine al fresco at Fulton’s on the River.  They are now featuring Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 – 6pm, where you can enjoy the new bar menu and half price signature snacks in the Murdoch Lounge. 

Across from Theatre District Business Center, Daley Plaza’s farmers market offers a wide selection of fresh and homemade fare for your impromptu casual lunch.  The market is held every Thursday from May 14th to Oct 15th, and is the perfect place to purchase produce, baked goods and flowers for a mid-day picnic.   There are plenty of grassy spots along the lake and river for grabbing a quick bite.  We prefer to enjoy our picnics in the tranquil courtyard at Tree Studios.  Won’t you join us?

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Opportunities

March 13, 2009

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“I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.” – John D. Rockefeller

Sometimes we need a push to point ourselves in a new direction.  The current economic climate is certainly giving us a big push right now!  While the financial crisis worsens, it’s easy to feel a loss of confidence and control.  But what we decide to do in the face of adversity and how we respond to perceived failures are actions that we actually do control.  When you find yourself surrounded by change and uncertainty, take time to listen to your instincts and follow your dreams.  Who better to invest in than yourself?  If starting your own business is something you’ve always wanted to do, The Suites Collection can help you find a place to make that dream come true.   

If you need a basic set up for your new business entity – our virtual office program provides you with a prestigious address in the Loop or River North and a professional receptionist to answer your calls.   Our flexible office program allows you part time use of a private office for meeting preparation or to connect with clients when you are between downtown appointments.   If you need full time dedicated space, a private office in any of our 3 convenient business centers can be arranged with furnishings, telephone and high speed internet service included.  To help you hit the ground running, our centers are equipped with additional services including use of copier, fax and secretarial support. 

 Our staff is constantly researching and reporting on trends we think will benefit our tenants.   Read more of our blog to find out about the small business incentives in the current stimulus plan, tax advice and recommendations for ways you can save on everything – from insurance to marketing to technology.  We are here to help your business grow and we look forward to meeting you and listening to your ideas.   Find out more about us by calling us at 312-994-2700 or schedule a tour today.

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“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise” – Oscar Wilde

Document review

March 3, 2009

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The document review process is a critical component of litigation but it can sometimes become a very costly portion of the budget.  Securing the right space with appropriate support for your discovery team adds immense value to your case preparation.  Theatre District Business Center offers affordable, flexible terms in a professional atmosphere and is perfectly located for your next document review.

Theatre District Business Center is immediately adjacent to:

  • State of Illinois Building
  • Daley Center
  • City Hall
  • County Buildings
  • Chicago Title & Trust

 training-room

The two furnished document review rooms provide seating for either 24 or 40 and are pre-wired for high speed internet.  Rooms are accessible 24/7 with a month to month term.  Additional services include use of copier, fax, secretarial support and mail receipt.  Public transportation is nearby as well as plentiful parking. The center offers multiple conference rooms including a large Rotunda board room which overlooks Daley Center and the newly developed Block 37.

tdbc_rotunda

Providing your team with an easy transition to our office space is important to us.  A receptionist and office manager are available onsite and we can accommodate you with short notice or work with you to plan for any future needs. 

Our professional staff is ready to assist you with preparations so schedule your tour today!

A great location for a law office in Chicago

December 8, 2008

daley-center

Located at Dearborn & Randolph, your law office at Theatre District Business Center will be immediately adjacent to:

  • State of Illinois Building
  • Daley Center
  • City Hall
  • County Buildings
  • Chicago Title & Trust

Large furnished suites with floor to ceiling windows or smaller, interior suites are each equipped with telephone instruments and internet service included. 

tdbc_tour43

The center has well appointed conference rooms available for client meetings, depositions or employee interviews.  Meeting and training rooms comfortably accommodate four to fifty people and are all equipped with high speed internet access.  Our rotunda board room overlooks Daley Center and the newly developed Block 37.  Additional services include use of copier, fax, secretarial support and mail service.  Public transportation is nearby as well as plentiful parking.

tdbc_rotunda1

Situated among great restaurants and popular entertainment venues, Theatre District Business Center is upstairs from the classic Chicago restaurant, Petterino’s.  Named for Arturo Petterino, the long-time maitre d’ of the Pump Room, Petterino’s is a good choice for entertaining clients and a great place to dine or meet for a drink before heading to a show at The Goodman or The Ford Center Oriental Theater.

Whether you are looking for a full time dedicated attorney’s office or a convenient place to conduct your next meeting, we will accommodate your individual tastes and preferences.  Call 312.994.2700 or visit our website to set up your downtown Chicago office!

Click here for an overhead tour of the area from wikimapia.

 Contact us today!

Workplace flexibility

November 12, 2008

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Certain sectors in our business community are evolving to become more and more virtual.  As this happens, the convenience of having a full time office with dedicated work space may no longer be cost effective.  If you telecommute, partnering with a professional office that will allow you to use their facilities and resources on an “as needed” basis can add tremendous value to your corporate image.

Securing flexible work space increases your ability to offer a full range of services to your clients.  Meeting at coffee shops or conducting conference calls at copy centers is distracting and unprofessional.  Especially if privacy is a concern for your clients, discussing their business in public is improper. 

Office business centers were created to meet the needs of entrepreneurs who want dedicated space and appreciate the value of shared services.  Now we are adapting our focus to meet the expanding needs of today’s mobile professional. 

technology

Located at the corner of Randolph and Dearborn, Theatre District Business Center is in a professionally appointed building near all CTA lines and public parking.   Directly across the street from Daley Plaza, the State of Illinois Building, City Hall, the County Buildings and Chicago Title & Trust, the center is extremely convenient for work associated with the courts or government.  Anyone who engages in business in the loop will enjoy its close proximity to the great restaurants and entertainment found within Chicago’s central business district.

We offer up to 16 hours a month of private meeting or office space for $300.  Your workspace will include high speed internet and it can be accessed anytime Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. Use a private office for meeting preparation or to connect with clients when you are between downtown appointments.  Additional onsite services include use of copier, fax and secretarial support.  Mail and delivery receipt is also available.  Training and board rooms, which hold up to 50 people, are ideal for presentations or company wide meetings.   These can be scheduled for an additional hourly rate.

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Call Ellen Sadler at 312-762-9200 to set up a tour of your new office today!

Learn more about Theatre District Business Center.

 

Lunchtime

August 29, 2008
Rockit Burger

Rockit Burger

There are some really great perks for those of us working in River North and downtown Chicago.  Lake views, river walks and flagship shopping make it easy to fill lunch hours with pleasure.  One of the best ways to find lunch time happiness is dining at a local restaurant.  Here is a delicious list of Suites Collection favorites for dining near our business centers whether with friends or entertaining for business.

La Madia

La Madia

The swankiest new pizza place in Chicago is La Madia, at 59 W. Grand.  The floor to ceiling windows draw you inside.  In warm weather, the windows are open and it feels like you’re dining al fresco and, in cold weather, a cozy seat by the fire will make you forget your worries.   Another great place to escape from the grind is the high-octane vibe at Rockit Bar & Grill at 22 W. Hubbard.  The wide ranging menu makes it an ideal location for group outings.  We celebrated a team birthday there recently and we highly recommend the sweet potato fries! 

Ruth's Chris

Ruth's Chris

If you have someone in from out of town, they are going to want a steak while in Chicago.  Take them to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at 431 N. Dearborn.   We had our company holiday party there last year and we lingered for hours over the delicious meal.  Their professional staff took special care of us all evening.  On the other hand, if you are looking for a dining experience to make you feel like you are away of Chicago, try Brasserie Jo, an excellent French brasserie at 59 W. Hubbard.

Potbelly's

Potbelly

When in a hurry, don’t settle for a convenience store sandwich at your desk.   Grab a custom made sandwich and chips and slip into a booth at Potbelly Sandwich Works at 508 N. Clark.   During weekday lunch hours, enjoy live music in their dining room.  There is always a stack of free Chicago Readers or The Onion waiting for you.  Corner Bakery is another easy and quick alternative right downstairs from Theatre District Business Center at 60 West Randolph.

Corner Bakery

Corner Bakery

 

Adjacent to the Corner Bakery on the corner of Randolph & Dearborn is Petterino’s, named for Arturo Petterino, the long-time maitre d’ of the Pump Room during the heyday of stars and socialites.  Petterino’s is a good choice for entertaining clients.  The food is superb and the walls are decorated with caricatures of actors and politicians – a guaranteed conversation starter because there is always a story to go with them!  If you’ve got tickets to a show at The Goodman or The Ford Center, the location is perfect. 

Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano

Need some comfort food?  Feeding the gang?  Maggiano’s Little Italy will take care of you.  Everything can be served family style, so take some friends or plan to leave with a doggie bag.  Located at the corner of State & Grand downstairs from Court House Executive Offices, the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and seemingly unlimited choices of pastas, meats and seafood. 

 Bon Appétit!

Shared Office Spotlight: Conference and Training Facilities at Theatre District Business Center

August 21, 2008
Host your next business event at the state-of-the-art Theatre District Business Center centrally located at Daley Plaza, State of Illinois Building, City Hall, County Buildings and Chicago Title & Trust Center.  Convenient public transportation and numerous parking garages are in the immediate vicinity.  The center is an impressive private location for: 
  • Conferences
  • Due Diligence and Document Review
  • Board Meetings
  • Training Sessions
  • Legal depositions
  • Business Presentations
  • Choose from several well appointed meeting rooms which comfortably accommodate four to fifty people. All rooms are equipped with high speed internet access.  Our courteous staff will greet your guests and assist you with arrangements for catering, presentation equipment and administrative support.