News & Updates

UP CLOSE | Small Business Spotlight  Meet Aida Flores and Eduardo Duarte of Total Nutrition Belmont LLC   5550 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60641 (773) 757-4420   How long have you been in business? I started in 2008 learning about wellness …

ON THE FRONTLINES   ​Meet the Business Support Organization — Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce   How many businesses have you been able to assist since joining the Cook County Small Business Assistance Program? About 4,500 clients were helped through …

Major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program  have been announced!  EIDLE is a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, …

Small Business Employees Can Get Money to Reduce Payroll Taxes Through the American Rescue Plan, a number of critical tax benefits are being offered to small businesses to help with employee retention and paid leave credits. …

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS MONTH To honor the contributions of Black-owned businesses across the state, the State of Illinois, with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the celebration of Black Business Month by highlighting …

Forgiveness Portal: Opens Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching an application portal on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $150,000 or less to …

Tips on keeping your post organic• Aim to use 3-5 hashtags per post• Consider the time and day you post Tips for growing your followers• Find people who share your companies values/interests• Comment, like, and share …

Categorize expenses as best as possible for budgeting and tax purposesMeet with your accountant at least quarterly to know your numbersUse billing systems to automate and organize your receivablesProactively negotiate terms with vendors to increase …

***Application for eligibility is now closed. 5/24/21. As part of Cook County's Community Recovery Initiative, Cook County established the Small Business Assistance program in 2020 to help address the impacts of COIVD-19.  Through the program and …

Paycheck Protection Program ***Closed as of 5/31/21. PPP is working for you.  PPP has been extended through May 31, 2021.  Lenders are open and accepting applications. PPP’s funding formula has been revised for sole proprietors, independent contractors, and …