Applications open for 2025 Source Referral Partners
The Cook County Small Business Source invites new and renewing nonprofit organizations to apply to serve as a 2025 Referral Partner and strengthen our network to support small businesses. Since 2020, the Cook County Small Business Source has provided no-cost business advising, resources, events/webinars and grants to more than 28,000 small businesses throughout Cook County. We […]
Source announces two new BSOs
The Cook County Small Business Source is proud to announce the addition of two Business Support Organizations (BSOs). Builders Avenue and the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, both based in Chicago, have joined the BSO network, bringing the total number of BSOs to 13. All BSOs work to provide no-cost advising to small businesses throughout […]
Introducing Cook County Solar Synergy, designed to help businesses enter the solar-installation market
Is your business ready to enter the solar-installation market? The Source is here to help. Cook County Government recently launched Cook County Solar Synergy, a program that connects small businesses with The Source–and all the resources they need to take on solar-installation jobs. Builders Avenue, a new Business Support Organization (BSO) with The Source, will […]
Important 2024 Source Grant Notification: 1099 Tax Form Correction
On January 25, 2025, the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), the grant administrator for the 2023 Cook County Source Grant, mailed you an IRS Form 1099-NEC. The purpose of this form was to provide you with the information necessary to report the grant income on your 2024 taxes. The 1099-NEC form which you received […]
Get Ahead of 2025: Essential Tax Prep Tips for Small Business Owners
The new year is here, and it’s time to turn your attention to one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: taxes. While the April filing deadline may still seem far off, getting a head start can save you from last-minute stress and position your business to take advantage of future financial […]
How your local convention and visitors bureau can elevate your business
In 2023 more than 112 million visitors came to Illinois alone, bringing in roughly $47 billion in spending and adding $4.6 billion in state and local taxes. In Cook County, 9.8% of employment was in the hospitality and tourism industry, a figure projected to grow by 3% by 2027. So, can small businesses tap into […]
Source teams up with Women’s Business Development Center for webinar series
The Source is collaborating with the Women’s Business Development Center to host a free webinar series titled “The Source x WBDC” that runs through mid-December. Webinars will provide small businesses with key information related to contracting with Cook County Government, as well as offer expert insight related to credit, marketing, grants and access to capital. […]
Meet The Source’s 2024 Referral Partners
The Cook County Small Business Source is pleased to announce its selection of Referral Partners for 2024. Over 35 organizations will serve as Referral Partners through Nov. 1, 2024. Referral Partners 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.
2023 Source Grant honored with national award
The Cook County Small Business Source is proud to announce that the 2023 Source Grant was recently honored with a 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award after providing funding for thousands of businesses throughout the county.
The 2023 Source Grant program: $50 million distributed to 3,000 small businesses
In 2023, Cook County launched a $50 million grant program as an investment in small businesses to help stabilize their operations, foster recovery and resiliency, and advance equity in the post-pandemic economy. Cook County established this program because of the central role small businesses play in the local economy as community anchors, a source of […]
