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.
48,000+
Small businesses reached
$17 M
In grants distributed to businesses
with 20 employees or less in 2020
13,000+
Businesses served
through direct assistance
75%
of businesses served owned
by people of color
58%
of businesses served owned
by women
95%
of businesses served are microbusinesses
(with less than 10 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
Business Support
Organizations
The Cook County Small Business Source’s Business Support Organizations (BSOs) provide small business owners with the expert advice and assistance they need to succeed through free one-on-one expert business advising.
Referral Partners
The Cook County Small Business Source’s Referral Partners serve as program ambassadors connecting small businesses to business advising and support through the Cook County Small Business Source.
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Alsip Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
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Arab American Business Association
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Arts Alliance Illinois
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Asian American Chamber of Illinois
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Austin Chamber of Commerce
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Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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Chamber57
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Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau
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Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
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Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation
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Chinese Mutual Aid Association
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Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce
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Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce
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Evanston Chamber of Commerce
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Far South Community Development Corporation
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Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
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Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce
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Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce
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IL Action for Children
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Illinois Business Immigration Coalition
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Lansing Chamber of Commerce
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Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce
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Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association
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Native American Chamber of Commerce
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New Covenant CDC
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Next Level Northwest
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Northbrook Chamber of Commerce
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Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
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Polish American Chamber of Commerce
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Puerto Rican Cultural Center
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Rogers Park Business Alliance
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Schaumburg Business Association
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SomerCor
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South East Chicago Commission
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South Shore Chamber of Commerce
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Southland Black Chamber of Commerce
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Southwest Collective
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The Joseph Center
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U.S. Pan-Asian Chamber of Commerce Midwest Region
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West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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Westside United
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Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce
