The Cook County Small Business Source invites new and renewing nonprofit organizations to apply to serve as a 2026 Referral Partner and strengthen our network supporting small businesses. As a Referral Partner, you’ll play a key role spreading the word about the Cook County Small Business Source, making direct referrals and helping connect local small businesses to our wide network of resources, services and support partners.
Since 2021, the Cook County Small Business Source has provided no-cost business advising, resources, events/webinars and grants to over 36,000 small businesses throughout Cook County. 81% of businesses served are owned by people of color (POC), and 79% are microbusinesses with 10 or less employees. Referral Partners serve as our “boots on the ground,” expanding our reach throughout Cook County and helping us serve small businesses that need assistance and resources to grow and thrive.
For our 2026 Referral Partner Program cohort, we seek organizations that:
- Have a footprint or presence in suburban Cook County
- Have the staffing and resources to conduct marketing and outreach on behalf of the Cook County Small Business Source
- Are eager to promote the Source’s current business advising and access to capital programs, drive awareness of available funding opportunities, and connect small businesses to community financial institution (CFI) lender resources
Please note that all past Referral Partners must submit a new application. Renewal is not guaranteed, and selections will be based on past performance (for returning partners) and the organization’s capacity to support businesses in our priority areas.
Selected referral partners will receive a contract of approximately $15,000 for roughly four months of work. We anticipate selecting up to 35 partners for this program.
If you are interested, please submit your organization’s 2026 Referral Partner application by Monday, May 11, at 5 p.m. CT.
