You are to interview the owner of a local business (there are many small businesses in Chicago you should try to use a business with which you are familiar but this is not required). Examples of businesses would be a cafe, a florist, a dentist, an acupuncturist, a dry-cleaning establishment, a shoe repair shop, a book store. You should make an appointment (30+ minutes) for your interview. Explain to the owner that you are an accounting student and that you are doing research for a brief report

Your interview should include the following:

Type of organization (service, retail, manufacturing)

History/background of the business (Why did the owner decide to open the business? How long has it been in existence? What is the form of the business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).

Did the owner have any specialized training/talents related to the business? (For example, if the business is a dental practice, the owner would have gone to dental school)

What are the primary operating activities in which the business engages?

Who are the primary customers?

The following questions should be your own thoughts and not something you would discuss with the owner.

What is your over-all impression of the business? Do you foresee it lasting for the next 10+ years? Why or why not?

What changes to the operations do you think could be made to possibly improve operations?

If you were a loan officer at a bank and the owner approached you for a loan, what information what information would you require to help make your decision?

Any other thoughts/impressions/comments you have about the business.