Thursday, October 15, 2020 | View in browser
 'E-commerce Unleashed' webinar October 22
Selling online isn't the same as having a great website. It's an entirely different world. E-commerce is about much more, it's about creating a great shopping and buying experience. Sarah Bruns, founder of Gray Otter, will provide an overview of the three most critical elements you need to know to win at the game of e-commerce: technology, customer service, and operations & order fulfillment.
Join us Thurs., October 22 at noon to learn about how to choose the right e-commerce platform, the differences between online and in-store customer support, and how to prepare for the back-end operations. Registration is required.
 New Online Marketplace for Evanston Retailers
Evanston's independent retail businesses are invited to join the new InStore Marketplace, an online destination for local shoppers to discover the unique products that Evanston's retail stores have to offer. Evanston's InStore marketplace will offer shoppers one stop shopping to search, browse by category, or shop by store to instantly be connected to products available in Evanston's retail stores. Learn more about how to sign up here.
 Downtown Evanston is Making Lemonade!
Downtown Evanston is launching their "Make Lemonade" campaign October 15 to bring color, positivity, and play to downtown with the goal of encouraging the continued support of small businesses.
Between now and November 15, watch for lemon-themed activations and public art installations, and participate in a scavenger hunt featuring questions about local businesses, public art, and more. Find more information at downtownevanston.org/lemonade.
 2nd Annual Maker's Market October 18
Downtown Evanston and Evanston Made present the 2nd annual Maker's Market on Sun., October 18, 12 to 5 p.m. at the Maple Avenue Parking Garage located at 1800 Maple Ave. Entry fee is $5; parking is free!
The market features Chicagoland makers selling handmade goods include jewelry, clothing, original art, prints, ceramics, stationary and more. Limited tickets are available for each time slot, so buy yours today!
 Space Summer Stage presents 'Bach to the USSR- music of Bach to the Beatles' October 17
Looking for something to do this weekend? Head to Space for an outdoor concert to help the local arts community. Join violinist Jeff Yang, owner of Chicago Strings, and cellist Matt Agnew Sat., October 17 at 11 a.m. at the Space Summer Stage for a journey through three centuries of music from Bach to the Beatles.
This is a special fundraiser concert to benefit the Musicians Assistance Fund at the Chicago Philharmonic and 50% of tickets proceeds will go to help musicians out of work due to the pandemic. Buy your tickets now!
Business Interruption Grant (BIG) webinar
The second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) Program is now open, offering $220 million in financial assistance for small businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic.
DCEO will be hosting webinar on the BIG Program Wed., October 21 at 9:30 a.m. Register here.
LEND offering zero interest small business loans
Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND), a student-run, microfinance organization, is providing zero percent interest loans to small businesses in Evanston. Learn more about their programs and the impact on Evanston's businesses in this Daily Northwestern article.
Visit their website for the application and to learn more about their lending process.
Financing tools available through Capital Direct
Capital Direct, a full-service commercial lending brokerage firm, offers financing programs for small businesses to provide working capital for short-term operational needs. For additional information about available programs and lending opportunities, please visit their website at https://capitaldirectnow.com.
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