Source collaborators, including the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Women’s Business Development Center, and Next Street
The Cook County Small Business Source is an award-winning program that strives to support, grow and elevate small businesses, the backbone of Cook County’s economy. This program directly connects small business owners with expert guidance and the resources they need to take their businesses to the next level.
The Source provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising from members of our trusted network of Business Support Organizations (BSOs). Through a simple intake form, The Source matches business owners with a dedicated business advisor who provides in-depth knowledge and the necessary support to take your business to the next level.
Events connect small business owners with a community of advisors who provide in depth knowledge on topics important to small businesses.
A resource library and a network of over 30 partners are available to help grow and scale small businesses.
The Cook County Small Business Source convenes a group of leading Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to provide direct support to the Cook County small business community. By partnering with trusted organizations, The Source connects small business owners with the expertise they need to succeed.
To learn more about our BSO partners, click on the tiles below. Ready to work with our network of BSOs? Learn more about no-cost business advising and sign up today!
The Source also works with Referral Partners, which are Cook County nonprofit business-facing organizations with a substantial footprint in suburban Cook County that connect businesses to no-cost advising, a calendar of events and other resources.
36Squared specializes in working with manufacturing businesses and offers numerous support streams for women- and minority-owned businesses, business owners with disabilities, and Spanish speaking business owners.
A4CB is an accredited CDFI and U.S. Small Business Administration lender that strengthens small businesses by providing the capital, coaching, and connections entrepreneurs need to grow great businesses.
30 years of operation in Berwyn have provided the BDC with unique insights into the small business ecosystem in Berwyn and its surrounding areas, helping local makers, entrepreneurs, and artisans take advantage of the big city opportunities that Berwyn has to offer.
Builders Avenue is committed to empowering construction entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in a dynamic industry. Their approach is not just about constructing physical structures; it’s about building futures, opportunities, and lasting legacies.
The ChicagoMSDC offers one-on-one support for small business owners seeking MBE certifications, corporate and government contracting, as well as those seeking to learn about financial processes, HR strategies, AI and virtual helpers, among other subjects.
The CUL provides Black entrepreneurs the tools necessary to launch, grow, and sustain businesses. CUL helps businesses obtain supplier diversity certifications, respond to bids on public and private contracts, and increase the number and average dollar value of contracts won.
The Chinese Mutual Aid Association is a long-standing social impact organization that represents diverse immigrant and refugee communities from over 70 countries, promoting entrepreneurship, small business growth and the U.S. economy through no-cost, confidential consulting for new and established “for-profit” businesses and entrepreneurs.
The IHCC equips businesses to be competitive in today’s economy by providing economic development and entrepreneurial educational programs that enhance business practices and increase the success of Hispanic entrepreneurs.
The GSDC works to create, attract, retain, and expand commercial and manufacturing businesses on Chicago’s Southwest Side, offering businesses development services that include access to capital, business and marketing plan assistance, international trade, procurement, certifications, and licensing.
The IRA works to provide restaurant operators and suppliers in Illinois with valuable business services, networking opportunities, cost saving programs, and vital advocacy, to serve the needs of the restaurant industry and support its future.
The RPBA strengthens and revitalizes the businesses in Rogers Park and the Chicagoland area, and builds a strong, diverse business community, by providing bilingual entrepreneurial support, webinars, training, and advocacy for small business owners.
The SDA provides expertise and capacity building to develop small businesses and enable the south suburbs and its businesses, especially its manufacturers, to lead in the new economy.
The WBDC supports and accelerates business development and growth, connecting women and all diverse business owners to the coaching, contracts, and capital they need, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.
In 2020, government, foundations, and community partners joined together to serve Cook County’s small business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership provided the basis for the establishment of The Small Business Assistance Program, which is now part of The Source.
The Chicago Community Trust and the Fund for Equitable Business Growth, with funding provided by Polk Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, McCormick Foundation and JPMorgan Chase, Cook County, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity were Founding Funders and Partners of the Cook County Small Business Source, providing support for recovery grants to small business owners and entrepreneurs facing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, Cook County funds the overwhelming majority of grants and services related to the Cook County Small Business Source with support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In addition, the program receives support from the State of Illinois Community Navigator Program, We Rise Together, and the Fund for Equitable Growth.
In 2022, the County reinvigorated the Covid born program with a historic $37 million investment, leading to a rebranding and the creation of The Source as it exists today. To read more about this historic investment reference the press release below.
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