News

Emilia DiMenco, former Women's Business Development Center President and CEO

Stay up-to-date with the latest news from The Source! Access important updates on our programs and services, as well as critical press releases that affect your business.

Discover solar contracting opportunities with Cook County Government. Learn how businesses can enter the solar installation market

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

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

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

Little Munchkins: A small corner store with big plans

Little Munchkins Produce, a small, family-owned grocery store in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side, is a classic neighborhood corner store. Teresa Flores, the owner of this bustling shop, runs her small business with the support of her husband, Gilberto, and children, Christopher and Mayte. Little

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

A glow-up from the ground up: How one entrepreneur opened ‘the glam headquarters of Berwyn’

Laura Santoyo likes to call her colorful cosmetics shop, Date Nite Beaute, “the glam headquarters of Berwyn.” She built the business from the ground up four years ago and is eyeing even more growth in the coming years. Her warm, inviting storefront represents her dreams becoming reality after she came

‘It takes a village’: How no-cost business advising is helping one business grow locally and abroad

Mohammad Salehi opened his business, Heray Spice, approximately seven years ago. Since then, he has navigated a pandemic, made changes to his targeted customer base, and supported his employees in the U.S. and his home country—all while raising two young sons with his wife. Thanks to support from Allies for Community Business and

Riveting Wellness Cosmetic Solutions: Bolstering a beauty business from within

Rebecca (Becky) Wilson is a beauty vet. She’s been in the cosmetology industry for over 16 years as a stylist, instructor, and, most recently, a hair loss specialist. However, her journey to find her niche and build her business, Riveting Wellness Cosmetic Solutions, was not easy. Becky has always loved

Empowering women on the go: Ms. Jetsetter

This July, we connected with local Chicago entrepreneur Tracey McGhee, founder of Ms. Jetsetter, a travel accessories company for busy women on the go. Read ahead to learn about Tracey’s journey opening her business and receiving support from the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) to ensure its success!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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.

Newsletters

News archives

Sign Up For News & Updates From The Source!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.