The Cook County Small Business Assistance Program
is now the Cook County Small Business Source!

The Cook County Small Business Source strives to support, grow and elevate small businesses by providing no-cost business advising, resources and access to events.

 

Business Advising

One-on-one, expert business advising provides small business owners with the advice and assistance they need.

 

Resources

Designed to provide business owners the tools needed to help you and your small businesses thrive at every stage.

 

Events

Events connect small business owners with a community of advisors who provide in depth knowledge on topics important to small businesses.

46,800

Small businesses reached

$17 M

in grants distributed to businesses
with 20 employees or less

10,000+

businesses supported
through direct assistance


69%

businesses owned by
people of color

57%

businesses owned
by women

96%

microbusinesses
(with 10 or less employees)


Businesses We Have Helped

“There are so many small business owners here in Cook County who have the skills, the talent and the drive—they just need support, access to capital and coaching to make their vision a reality. I’m proud to say that Cook County has helped me to do that."

Alex Cabrera, Owner

Lalo’s on Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL

“Being a person of color, it makes an enormous difference for companies like us to have access to capital. I am very grateful for the support we have already received from Cook County including job training for our employees and additional marketing support.”

Yvonne Barrett, CEO/Designer

Aki Rah Tailoring, Berwyn, IL

“Through the Source, I was able to meet with someone face-to-face, which is so much more engaging and beneficial. I received one-on-one help that was tailored to my specific questions about marketing and online platforms.”

Jamie Revell, President/Owner

W3Body – A Women's Gym, Berwyn, IL

What top challenge is your small business facing today?


Business Support
Organizations

A Program of
Cook County