Resources  ·  100% Free

Learning tools for your business.

How-tos, templates, on-demand workshops, and direct access to our team — 100% free.

01

Finances

Template
Restaurant Finances Calculator
Open → Template
Recipe Costing Template
Open → Workshop
Financial Wellness for Food and Beverage Businesses
Watch → Workshop
Menu Costing: The Economics of a Taco
Watch →
02

Social Media & Marketing

Template
TikTok Content Calendar
Open → Template
Social Media Policy
Open → How-To
How To Optimize Your Menu
View → How-To
How To Drive Online Revenue For Your Restaurant
View → How-To
One Minute Classroom: AI For Restaurants
View → How-To
One Minute Classroom: How To Make A Reel
View → How-To
One Minute Classroom: How To Make A Graphic
View → How-To
One Minute Classroom: Bootstrap Your Social Media
View → Workshop
How to Build a Brand Strategy For the Long Run
Watch → Workshop
Advertising 101
Watch → Workshop
Navigating Brand Partnerships: Key Elements Brands Seek in Sponsorship Proposals
Watch →
03

Operations & HR

Template
Health Inspection Self Evaluation
Open → Template
Hiring Cadence
Open → Template
Progressive Discipline Best Practices
Open → Template
Employee Handbook Template
Open → How-To
How To Handle Upset Guests & Negative Reviews
View → How-To
What To Do When Your Restaurant Gets Slow
View → How-To
How To Choose The Best POS For Your Restaurant
View → Workshop
Hiring Strategies for a Post-Pandemic World
Watch → Workshop
Embracing Authenticity: Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Watch → Workshop
Event Planning: Dinner Pop-ups and Fundraisers
Watch → How-To
One Minute Classroom: Finding The Right Brick & Mortar
View →

1:1 Consultations

Need guidance navigating city licenses, finding funding, or strengthening your operations?

Hilo offers free 1:1 consultations for entrepreneurs looking for support at any stage of business — whether you're just getting started or working to scale.

Available Wednesdays & Fridays
Hours 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost Free. Always.
Schedule Here →
04

Funding

Direct Capital

Apply for the Hilo $1K Grant.

Direct, low-barrier capital for small businesses on Chicago's South and West Sides.

Apply →
Lending Partner

Access low-barrier lending through CIBC.

In partnership with CIBC, Hilo connects eligible businesses to flexible loan products designed for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing.

Learn More →