View as Webpage

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube

Welcome to The Source e-Newsletter

This month, the Cook County Small Business Source launched our new Resources page, designed to provide business owners the tools needed to help you and your small businesses thrive at every stage. If you are just getting started, need help creating your business plan, looking for support with running your day-to-day operations, or expanding to a new location, we have the information you need.

Grow Grant Program Update

Thank you to all the businesses who applied for the Grow Grant. We appreciate your interest, participation, and patience. Important updates can be found on our webpage here, and we plan to bring more services and resources to you this year through The Source.

It’s tax season, but don’t stress!

The Cook County Small Business Source is ready to help. We’re sharing our ultimate Tax Preparation Checklist, containing important information you need to know to file your 2022 taxes with ease. This checklist, and additional resources to help you file your taxes, are available on our new Resources page.


Do you need assistance preparing your taxes this year?

The Southland Development Authority is offering free professional tax preparation for your 2022 business tax return, provided by Ringold Financial Management Services, and sponsored by Cook County. The deadline to apply is March 31. Click here to learn more about this program.

For additional tax assistance, attend the Let's Chat: Business Tax Season, Be Prepared! virtual event on March 30 at 11:00 am hosted by the Women Business Development Center. Register here.

Small Business Impact Stories

Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) has helped me with grant applications, contract negotiations and marketing. During the pandemic, I had to adjust my business plan and the Chamber was able to connect me to additional resources.”


Atzimba Perez, Owner of Atzimba Catering

“I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of the Berwyn Shops through the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC). Through this opportunity, I’ve attended webinars, networked with other small businesses and learned valuable skills for a successful small business. Being a part of this community makes me excited to continue to grow my business in Cook County.”


Elizabeth Aguirre, Owner of Juicy Gems

Upcoming Events

Access to Capital for Minority Entrepreneurs and Small Business



March 28 | Virtual

10:30am - 11:30am


Register Here


Hosted by the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)

Let's Chat: Business Tax Season, Be Prepared!


March 30 | Virtual

11:00am - 12:00pm


Register Here


Hosted by the Women Business Development Center (WBDC)

    FULL EVENT CALENDAR   

Access to Capital & Grant Opportunities

DCEO Back to Business (B2B) Grants for Creative Arts, Hotels & Restaurants

The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the Back to Business (B2B) grant program to provide recovery grants for businesses in the hardest-hit industries. Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of The State of Illinois’ efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. Applications will be open between April 5 and May 10, 2023. Learn more here.

Kiva Capital Opportunities

Kiva is a non-profit that expands access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world. More than 2.5 million people have raised over $1 billion on Kiva. Kiva provides loans of up to $15,000 at 0% interest. Additionally, you have the opportunity to market your product to Kiva's community of 1.6 million supportive lenders. View Kiva Capital Opportunities here.


Allies for Community Business Loan Opportunities

Apply for reliable and flexible loans ranging from $500 to $100,000. View loan opportunities provided by Allies for Community Business here.

Business Advising


The Cook County Small Business Source provides no-cost one-on-one coaching, group webinars and events and online resources to help small businesses thrive and grow.

 

Sign up for no-cost Business Advising and connect with one of our advisors from the region’s leading business services organizations!

SIGN UP FOR NO-COST BUSINESS ADVISING

Contact Us!

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube

Website: cookcountysmallbiz.org


Email: info@cookcountysmallbiz.org