Negocios Now

NegociosNow NegociosNow www.negociosnow.com 4 Diciembre 2008 4 Agosto-Septiembre 2014 makes her more responsible for the city's business climate than ever. And she likes the challenge. In a press release announcing her pro- motion, Guerra Lapacek said she was grateful for the opportunity to create an environment that would encourage business growth. "My parents were once small business owners," Guerra Lapacek said, "so I am excited to continue the mayor's push to make City Hall as open and accessible as possible to the next generation of entrepre- neurs." She lists a number of initiatives that have made life easier for busi- ness owners in Chicago thanks to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Namely, an express lane at the Small Busi- ness Center to rapidly process quick requests, a website redesign for the Center to make it more user frien- dly, an online site selector tool to connect small business owners with office and factory space and free business education for entrepre- neurs. While she has been fully dedi- cated to her government career for years now, the commissioner wasn't always in politics. She got her start as a broadcast reporter, and has worked for Telemundo in Chicago and California. She stu- died law and business at Depaul University, graduating with a JD and MBA. As a proud Latina civil servant, working with small businesses in Chicago is a way for Guerra Lapacek to stay very connected to the Latino community. The number of Latino- owned businesses has increased far more quickly than the national average due, in part, to a cultural preference by Latinos to work for themselves. "Having a business is what the American Dream is," Guerra Lapa- cek said. "To come to this country, open a business and have a better future." From City Hall, Guerra Lapa- cek strives to be a help toward that dream for Latino entrepreneurs, not a hindrance. By Tara García Mathewson G uerra Lapacek took over as the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Pro- tection at the beginning of the year. This department explores fraud complaints by consumers and ini- tiates legal action against noncom- pliant businesses. It also grants and monitors business licenses, which are good for small business owners, Guerra Lapacek said. "Having a license protects the business," Guerra Lapacek said, "just as it helps the consumer." Guerra Lapacek has had a shi- fting role at City Hall since Mayor Rahm Emanuel stepped into the mayor's office. Much of her work, though, has focused on government efficiency and responsiveness. She helped establish the city's Small Business Center, reform the busi- ness licensing system and better protect consumers from fraudulent tax preparation services and preda- tory lenders. With her help, the number of busi- ness license categories in the City of Chicago dropped by 60 percent, making the system easier for busi- nesses to understand and navigate. Guerra Lapacek had her hand in a range of policy issues like this one as first deputy director of the office of legislative counsel and government affairs. Before that she worked as deputy chief financial officer and deputy budget director. And even before Emanuel took office, Guerra Lapacek worked for his predecessor, Richard Daley. Guerra Lapacek's latest role María Guerra: Open doors for small businesses maria guerra lapacek hopes small business owners will see city government as a partner, not an obstacle. Photo Negocios Now Durango Western Wear, a retail store on 26th Street in Little Village Courtesy Commisioner Maria Guerra S M A L L B U S I N E S S E N T R E P R E N E U R E X P O The O ffice of the Cit y Treasurer invites you to the SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR EXPO Friday, October 3, 2014 8:30 am - 3:30 pm UIC Forum - 725 W. Roosevelt Road Register at: chicagosmallbusinessexpo.com Over 3,000 attendees Full day of Free expert workshops Over 150 exhibitors Stephanie D. Neely, Treasurer Office Phone (312) 744-3356 chicagocitytreasurer.com

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