Succeed in Today’s Competitive Environment

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with William Burch, CEO of Greene Acres Consulting Group Inc., located in Chicago, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Greene Acres Consulting Group services small to mid-size businesses and specializes in Accounting, Project Management, Technology, and Managed Services to commercial, not-for-profit, and government organizations. Our team has extensive Project Management and Accounting experience. Our consulting services can mobilize the right professionals, skills, and technologies to help organizations improve their performance.

Tell us about yourself

I am a consultant and legislative advocate and served as the 2020-22 Chairman of the Black Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs of Illinois, where I work alongside local chambers and business organizations to assist the Black business community grow and scale their businesses in the State of Illinois.

At Greene Acres Consulting Group, where I serve as CEO, I have been working with legislators and the Illinois community stakeholders to ensure the Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation includes measurable equity inclusion for communities harmed by the "war on drugs" with a goal to encourage, empower, assist, and sustain disadvantaged minority businesses and entrepreneurs looking to enter the adult-use cannabis industry.

With years of career success in project management and business development, my business agility stems from working in industries that are rapidly growing and evolving. I received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Business Management from Robert Morris College, now known as Roosevelt University, and worked on my master's degree studies at the University of Illinois in Educational Policy Studies.

Known for applying proven business tactics to unchartered territory, I have created a diverse consulting network at Greene Acres Consulting Group with high-profile partners. I have been in the business development, communications, and nonprofit management industry for over fifteen years, and I bring extensive working knowledge for both profit businesses and nonprofit communities. I have consulted a variety of small – mid-size businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, nonprofit organizations, political candidates, and church groups with strategic planning, management, event planning, and youth organizing.

As a consultant, my mission is to be the choice for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in need by providing excellent services that support their efforts to improve processes and develop, implement, and evaluate plans for growth. I have received multiple recognitions for my professional accomplishments.

Lastly, I am the co-author of Illinois Public Act 96-1341, the African American Employment Plan Act, and the Illinois Seal Bill Public Act 098-0399 and also the organizer of the 2010 Title VI Civil Rights Complaint Training facilitated by the United States Department of Justice Department.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments has been entering the cannabis space as a consultant that developed several successful dispensary and craft grow applications for the State of Illinois that actually made it to the Social Equity Licensing Lottery that was held by the state.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is being able to set aside time to scale and expand your service offerings to meet more of your clients' needs.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Network: When starting a business, take your time to learn the ins and outs of your craft.
Mentorship: Identify a mentor that you respect and learn from their successes and failures.
Collaborate: Keep your mind open to collaborating with other businesses to broaden your brand exposure and acquire a mix of clientele.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gacgi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gacgichgo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gacgichgo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greene-acres-consulting-group/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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