by Diana Pando
John Whedbee understands the importance of taking care of a pet and making sure they are healthy and happy. He loved pets so much he decided to start working at various dog-grooming shops.
It was during this time, he began to learn the nuts and bolts of the grooming industry. He had a great interest in the different breeds of dogs and their coat types and even earned a certification as a professional pet groomer from Midwest School of Pet Grooming.
However, it wasn’t long before he decided that working for someone else wasn’t for him. “My entrepreneurial spirit comes from my dad because when I was growing up he owned a woodshop,” said John. So he decided to turn his passion for dogs into his own business.
Having his own business would allow him to make decisions and allow him to care for the dogs beyond just grooming. “My business is unique because it’s more than just grooming,” he says. “I take care of the dog from a behavioral standpoint.”
When he was starting his business, he had lots of ideas and a rough draft of a business plan. However, he needed to fine-tune his plan and gain access to more small business tools. Shortly after distributing his business cards at local cafes, he heard about The Resurrection Project’s (TRP) Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP).
The ETP program is an eight-week course facilitated by an expert instructor to teach the basics of starting, funding, and operating a successful business. Graduates of the course have an opportunity to apply for a micro loan from the PrivateBank of up to $10,000 for a new business and up to $25,000 for an existing business.
John enrolled in the program and joined other small business owners who were trying to expand their existing business or start a new one. He also received free financial coaching from TRP’s Economic Development department, which helped him secure an account at Second Federal Credit Union and improve his credit score by 100 points. His improved credit score allowed him to apply for and secure a business loan.
In 2014, John graduated from the ETP and began looking for a space to set up his business. He decided to look in Pilsen because he’s been living there for nine years.
He began looking at storefronts on 18^th Street but the rents were too high. Eventually, he found a space at 1921 South Blue Island further south from 18^th Street. He began the process of renovating the space to have it ready for clients and their pets.
Since then, John has launched Heart of Chicago Grooming. He is busy keeping up with his clientele of furry friends, offering a variety of services ranging from full grooming to bath and brush services.
“The Resurrection Project is a great source to be connected to in the neighborhood,” said John. “It’s a good place to meet a lot of folks from neighborhood and brainstorm business ideas.”
John is one of the many small business owners TRP is helping to thrive. The ETP program is part of TRP’s Vision 2020 plan to increase workshops and other programming.
The next Entrepreneur Training Program will be held in the spring of 2016. This program is open to all individuals who would either like to start or grow their existing business.

Learn more about TRP’s Entrepreneur Training program here or call 312-763-3227 for more information.

(Photos courtesy of Heart of Chicago Grooming)