Get capital by posting on Facebook and Twitter

By Barry Moltz

In the search for cash for your business, forget about going to a bank and bringing your financial statements. A new company now makes it possible to get capital based on Facebook and Twitter activity.

Kabbage Inc. has a new program called "Social Klimbing," which gives small online businesses access to capital based on their social network activity. This is the first time a financial services company has provided benefits to its customers as a result of their social media activity.

Kathryn Petralia, Kabbage co-founder and COO, said, “With Social Klimbing, small businesses can benefit from maintaining and growing relationships with their customers through Facebook and Twitter. While other companies are ‘talking' about customer engagement, Kabbage is actually quantifying and utilizing it as a means to give small businesses more capital to grow.”

The company reportedly reviews marketplace data, such as seller ratings for online merchants, to underwrite its business customers. According to their press release, Social Klimbing allows customers to connect their Kabbage accounts to Facebook fan pages and Twitter feeds, which is "immediately analyzed and translated into additional capital. As customers increase followers, activities and chatter on Twitter and Facebook, they will automatically gain access to more funds."

Who says that social media doesn't pay?

Barry Moltz is a Chicago-based serial entrepreneur, business consultant, marketing expert, mediator, speaker and author of several books on small-business success. Look for his advice on Crain's blog for entrepreneurs every Monday. Barry is also a regular contributor to the American Express Open Forum.

Follow Barry on Twitter: @BarryMoltz.

Listen to podcasts of Barry's "Business Insanity" radio show here.

Join Crain's LinkedIn group for Chicago entrepreneurs. And stay on top of Chicago business with Crain's free daily e-newsletters.

Crain's small-business editor Ann Dwyer is on Google+.

The next Entrepreneurs Unpluggd, exporting basics, and more

Crain's brings you weekly news of seminars, networking events, awards dinners, contests and courses of interest to Chicago-area entrepreneurs. Send your event announcements to smallbizcalendar@gmail.com

EVENTS JUST ANNOUNCED

Thursday, May 24
Tyler Perry Headlines Panel for Chicago Small Businesses
Famed entertainment mogul Tyler Perry is participating in a discussion on the personal and business sides of his rise to fame and provides advice for business owners to implement in their own ventures.
When: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Place: Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Map
Cost: Free

~~~~~

Thursday, May 24
Seminar: Show Me the Money (and Don't Sue Me)
Business owners will leave this seminar empowered with knowing the basic principles of launching, operating and financing a sound business enterprise.
When: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Place: Rice Building, 815 W. Van Buren St. Suite 400 Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 30
Building Your Company's Social Media Strategy
Learn how to build a social media strategy that is customized for your company's needs and resources.
When: 8:30-10 a.m.
Place: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, 200 E. Randolph St., Chicago Map
Cost: $40-$60
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 30
Webinar: Exporting Basics, Completing Certificates of Origin
Webinar, sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service, will cover the basics of Certificates of Origin under free trade agreements, and completing eCertification.
When: 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $15.
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 31
Business Plan Basics
This brown bag lunch workshop is designed to give attendees an overview of the elements in a business plan. It also walks the attendees through the process of properly writing a business plan.
When: Noon-1:30 p.m.
Place: Rice Building, 815 W. Van Buren St. Suite 400 Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 31
The Transformative Business Model Experience – Harnessing a Brain Trust to Pivot Your Company
It's a night of hands-on business development to revamp your current business model for companies ready to grow and make their next strategic breakthrough.
When: 4-7 p.m.
Place: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St. Map
Cost: $45
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, June 5
Starting a Business in Illinois
Learn the basic elements of starting a successful business, including an overview of the business plan. Discover the resources available to support your new venture.
When: 4-6 p.m.
Place: Harold Washington Library, Video Theatre, 400 S. State St., Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Monday, June 11
Wisdom, Wine and Cheese
Learn what how the Women's Business Development Center can help prospective and established owners clarify their needs and learn about small-business resources.
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Place: Women's Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $10
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 13
Webinar: Financing your Exports and Getting Paid
Learn from trade finance experts about the range of payment methods used in export transactions and how to evaluate which is best for your business.
When: 1-2 p.m.
Cost: $15
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, June 19
Take the Mystery out of Financing
Get real-world examples and ask questions you may have avoided asking previously. Learn the Five C's: cash flow, collateral, capital, character and conditions, and detailed information about financing through equity, debt, receivables, purchase orders and leasing.
When: 1-2:30 p.m.
Place: Women's Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor Map
Cost: $10-20
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, June 19
Entrepreneurs Unpluggd: Make Your Passion Your Next Startup
Join us for an evening of stories and actionable takeaways from experienced entrepreneurs who want to help you
build your business. Featuring: Jake Nickell, co-founder, Threadless; Desiree Vargas Wrigley, co-founder, GiveForward, Joshua Hernandez, founder, Tap.me
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Chopin Theater, 1543 Division St. Map
Cost: $20-$30
Register

~~~~~

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Monday, May 21
Webinar: Joint Business Counseling: Sales & Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business
Session for established business owners seeking to grow their businesses through government and corporate contracting. Learn how to strategically plan your sales and marketing strategies in an online, interactive group counseling session.
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Monday, May 21
Deadline: Moxie Awards Nominations
The Moxie Awards, presented by Built In Chicago and New World Ventures, will gather Chicago's most innovative digital entrepreneurs on June 21st at Park West.
Nominations

~~~~~

Tuesday, May 22
Crain's Annual Entrepreneurs Lunch
Hear about Rick Bayless — chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality — who turned a passion for Mexican dishes and flavors into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Place: Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place Map
Cost: $95
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 23
Entrepreneur@NU — Take a Closer Look
The second annual entrepreneur@nu conference is a showcase of the entrepreneurial community at Northwestern and Chicagoland — a unique networking opportunity for students, alumni and partners.
When: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Place: Norris Center (Second floor), 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston Map
Cost: $10-$50
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 23
Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza
Lillian Bjorseth and Jason Jacobsohn drill down to help you develop relationship-building skills par excellence whether you are an entrepreneur or an association or corporate employee, manager or top management.
When: 5:30-8:45 p.m.
Place: The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker Drive, 67th floor, Oak Room Map
Cost: $55
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 23
Chicago Innovation Awards Kick-Off Cocktail Reception
A VIP gathering that gives insider's look at all the exciting new events and activities that the Chicago Innovation Awards have planned this year to celebrate, educate and create action in our region's innovation community.
When: 5:30– 7:30 p.m.
Place: 1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th floor Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~

Wednesday, May 23
Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganzas
Annual event brings together the business community for relationship-building opportunities featuring interactive presentations by Lillian Bjorseth and Jason Jacobsohn.
When: 5:50-8:45 p.m.
Place: The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker Drive Map
Cost: $55
Information/Registration

~~~~~

Thursday, May 24
White Board Challenge Finalist Presentations
Watch a contest where entrepreneurs get five minutes and a whiteboard with colored markets to present their business idea to a panel of their peers for up to $5,000 in cash prizes for their business.
When: 5:15-8:30 p.m.
Place: IBM Innovation Center, 71 S. Wacker Map
Cost: $10-$35
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 24
UChicago Innovation Showcase
Inaugural event brings together hundreds of students, faculty, and staff from across the university for an interactive celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration in the university community.
When: 4:30 p.m.
Place: Charles M. Harper Center, 5807 S. Woodlawn Ave. Map
Information

~~~~~

Friday, May 25
How to Make Your Website Your Best Sales Representative
Laura Sanchez, CEO of SWATware LLC discusses the most important elements of effective website and get useful tips you can easily implement to enhance your website and boost your sales. (Questions can also be answered in Spanish).
When: 9:30-11 a.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

~~~~~

Friday, May 25
Starting a Business in Illinois
Learn how to evaluate yourself, your idea, finding a niche and more at this startup workshop.
When: 2-4 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 508 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 773.995.3938

~~~~~

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, May 30
How to Become Certified for Doing Business with the City of Chicago
There are different types of procurement opportunities with the city. Learn what it takes to become a certified City of Chicago vendor.
When: 2-4:30 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.2086

~~~~~

Wednesday, May 30
Advanced Social Media Marketing for Small Business
Share buttons, hashtags, branding, event marketing, pay-per-click & classified ads, coupons, check-Ins, deals, and bookmarking & sharing sites are agenda topics. Learn about various free tools to enhance your pages and how to post across multiple platforms.
When: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Place: JVS-Chicago, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., 2nd Floor Training Room Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 31
DePaul Innovation Network at Thinkubator
Join the DePaul Innovation Network at Thinkubators for a tour and discussion. Innovation space plays a significant role in stimulating creativity and the generation of breakthrough ideas for your work and organization.
When: 3-4:30 p.m.
Place: Thinkubator, 312 N. May, Suite D Map
Cost: $25
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, May 31
Buying or Selling a Business: Find, Evaluate and Negotiate
Buying a business can be an alternative to starting up a new business. Learn how to analyze new business opportunities and negotiate a business purchase or sale.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $50-$60
Register

~~~~~

Friday, June 1
Ten Things Every Entrepreneur Must Know Breakfast
Whether you are an aspiring, experienced or serial entrepreneur, this workshop is guaranteed to enhance your business skills toolbox.
When: 8-10 a.m.
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $20-$30
Register

~~~~~~

Saturday, June 2
Shining a Light on the Business Side of Child Care
Women's Business Development Center's 14th annual Child Care Business Expo helps local child care ventures learn from nationally-renown business experts.
When: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road Map
Cost: $30-$45
Register

~~~~~

Tuesday, June 5
Seven Transformative Questions for Highly Successful Companies
Art Fox explains questions every business owner must ask to take their company to the next level by igniting strategic thinking.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St. Map
Cost: $25
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 6
Face-to-Face Networking
Face-to-face networking helps to build positive business relationship and promotes interaction. Improve your face to face networking skills for the benefit of your organization.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $50-$60
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 6
Licensing, Permit & Inspections 101
Talk to city of Chicago inspectors and get your questions answered about requirements for you business.
When: 3-4:30 p.m.
Place: Chicago City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 312.744.5344

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 6
Workshop on City Treasurer Business Plan Competition
Learn how you may win up to $5,000 through this annual contest. Three business plans from startups or existing small businesses will win awards, based on the clear, concise articulation of their business idea, creativity, marketing, sales strategy and overall viability.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Place: JVS Chicago/ IL SBDC/Duman Entrepreneurship Center, 216 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 700 Map
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, June 7
Women's Bar Association of Illinois Installation Dinner
Incoming President Karina Zabicki DeHayes will detail the goals for her term and unveil her mission for the upcoming year, “Women and Men Partnering for Excellence.”
When: 4-8 p.m.
Place: Hilton Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave. Map
Cost: $110-$125 (sponsorships available)
Information or call 312.341.8530

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 13
Entrepreneur Training Program
Eight-week course on developing your own business plan, learning how to start and run a business.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 502 Map
Cost: $150
Information or 773.995.3938

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 13
Market Like a Guerrilla, Sell Like a Gorilla
Guerrilla marketing is a cost-effective way to spread your message and may help you get in front of a potential customer. When you attend this workshop you'll learn some of the most important techniques of the art of selling.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon
Place: Score/SBA, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1150 Map
Cost: $50-$60
Register

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 13
Entrepreneur Training Program
Learn how to develop a business plan, start and operate a company and more in this eight-week workshop.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 502 Map
Cost: $100
Information or 773.995.3938

~~~~~

Thursday, June 14
Content Jam: The Secrets of Content Marketing
Content Jam distills theories and strategies of content marketing into easy-to-do tasks. You'll learn how to write compelling content, how to plan what to write, how to make sure readers find it and how to measure your success.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Place: StoryStudio Chicago and Orbit Media Solutions, 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave. Map
Cost: $195
Register

~~~~~

Thursday, June 14
The Business Event 2011
Join Jewish B2B Networking, Inc. and Small Business Advocacy Council for the second annual small business and job event. More than 100 vendors, 5,000 business networkers, more than 30 employment recruiters, and prominent speakers.
When: 1-7 p.m.
Place: 3333 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood Map
Information

~~~~~

Friday, June 15
Deadline: TV Time For Small Business Contest
Score and the city treasurer's office is accepting videos from local businesses on "What Makes Your Business Exceptional." Prizes include $8,500 in cash,10 free TV slots on CAN-TV and business mentoring from SCORE>
Contest closes: Midnight, June 15
Information

~~~~~

June 22-25
Techweek Expo
It's a trade show and innovation place where Fortune companies exhibit and demo the newest tech products alongside early-stage startups and university-level, cutting-edge research in front of thousands of Techweek participants.
When: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Place: Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Map
Cost: $20-$40 (expo only)
Information

~~~~~

Wednesday, June 25
Workshop on City Treasurer Business Plan Competition
Learn how you may win up to $5,000 through this annual contest. Three business plans from startups or existing small businesses will win awards, based on the clear, concise articulation of their business idea, creativity, marketing, sales strategy and overall viability.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Place: Chatham Business Association, 806 E. 78th St
Cost: Free
Register

~~~~~

Friday, July 27
Starting a Business in Illinois
Learn how to evaluate yourself, your idea, finding a niche and more at this startup workshop.
When: 2-4 p.m.
Place: Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive, BHS room 508 Map
Cost: Free
Information or 773.995.3938

~~~~~

Nov. 1-3
National Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) Conference
Join over 1,200 students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and other entrepreneurial-minded individuals at this motivational event where 70 outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders share their expertise and lessons.
Place: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 South Martin L. King Drive Map
Information

~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To add your event to Crain's Small-biz Calendar, e-mail details to smallbizcalendar@gmail.com Connect with Crain's via Facebook and Twitter. And stay on top of Chicago business with Crain's free daily e-newsletters.

Wednesdays @Starbucks 003

Our weekly live show. Tony and Sean talk about the taxi project and Stephen tells us about his new client. There are some good tips in this show about working with clients. Next Wed we are taking break because we all some projects to work on but the following week we’ll be back. Let us know if you want to call in and be on the show or just share some topic ideas in the comments.