Beautiful Beginnings: A dream aided by business advising through The Source
Meet Louise Williams, owner of Beautiful Beginnings Daycare, an at-home daycare that’s been operating in the Chicagoland area for 10 years. A skilled caretaker who often goes above and beyond for her clients and their children, Louise offers 24-hour daycare, food for children facing food insecurity, transportation for parents who can’t afford it, and more.
A home away from home: Finding community and entrepreneurial support with The Source
Eight years ago, Angel Emmanuel Alcantar launched his business, Frida Room, a restaurant showcasing the vibrant colors and traditional flavors of his hometown of Mexico City. In his words, the Chicago restaurant “uniquely showcases the flavors he grew up with,” with dishes inspired by recipes passed down to him from his grandmother. With Frida Room, Angel carefully curated each detail, even designing the restaurant’s interior himself, capturing the lively decor and culture of Mexico City.
Women in the arena: Small business owner Ari Krzyzek shares her expert marketing tips with The Source
Meet Ari Krzyzek, CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia (see-ka-lo-fia), a woman minority-owned web agency helping femtech direct-to-consumer (DTC) & women-led brands transform their website to unlock business opportunities. This month, we connected with Ari, a recent 2023 Source Grant Awardee, to chat about her business journey and the importance of marketing for small […]
A new way to grow: How one Cook County small business owner embraced business advising and leveraged a procurement success
For Letitia Clark, owner of the Calumet City medical supply company A New Way To Go, advancing access to medical equipment and supplies represents a life-long passion. Having learned the importance of equitable access to healthcare at her first job with the Cook County Health and Hospital System (CHHS), Letitia remains committed to improving access […]
Offering Fresh Food Dining in the Southland: Pink Panini and the Entrepreneurial Journey
Meet Latrice Wright, owner of Pink Panini, a restaurant in Hazel Crest, IL that provides the Southland community with fresh soups, sandwiches, salads, and much more. After 16 years of service at the Chicago Housing Authority, Latrice learned firsthand how hard it could be to fit a healthy lunch into a packed schedule. Because of […]
From “Corrections to Confections”: How One Small Business Owner Utilized The Source to Pursue Her Passion
When Lisa Marsh (second to left) retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, she decided it was time to further pursue her personal passion of creating allergen free foods. Named in honor of her mother, Lisa launched MsPsGFree, a gluten free snack company, despite having no prior experience running a food-based business. “I came into […]
The Escape Factor
Dexter Cura, co-owner of The Escape Factor in Forest Park, IL, shares his best advice for business owners: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can find mentors, support and connections in many places, including the Cook County Small Business Source. Dexter Cura, The Escape Factor in Forest Park, IL SIGN UP FOR BUSINESS […]
Inductor of Healing
Shortly after beginning his business, Inductor of Healing, Malike Ayouba signed up to receive business advising. He was able to gain invaluable guidance in how to best develop and market his business. He accredits his successful journey to the skills he learned through the Cook County Small Business Source. Malike Ayouba, Inductor of Healing in […]
Moreno’s Shoe Repair
Ernesto Moreno signed up for business advising from Cook County Small Business Source to help grow his family business, Moreno’s Shoe Repair in Berwyn. Through the program, he also learned about available grants and received assistance with marketing. Best of all, Moreno knew he wasn’t facing his business challenges alone. “I was able to go […]
