Beautiful Beginnings: A dream aided by business advising through The Source

Lousie Williams, owner of Beautiful Beginnings Daycare, Chicago, IL

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. Inspired by years of work in the medical field, Louise’s dream is to not only support children but parents as well, fostering access to educational tools and resources that will allow them to build a better life for themselves and their families. Thanks to the support she has received from her Business Advisor through The Source, Louise’s dream has become a reality in the most spectacular ways. 

Louise wanted to provide the essential service of daycare to her community, but like many small business owners, she faced the many complexities that come with starting and managing a small business. Now, after two years of meeting and working with her advisor, Tulio Juarez of the Greater Southwest Development Corporation, she has been able to build a sound foundation for her business that will help her sustain–and soon expand–her business. According to Louise, “I have taken online classes to increase my business education and participated in free courses to gain important certifications for my business.” By effectively managing her daycare on the business front, she has been able to expand her capacity to include 10 additional children through her daycare services.

Louise’s rapidly growing business has inspired her to plan for further growth, with her and Tulio now discussing expanding her business to a standalone brick-and-mortar facility, where she can support a greater client base. Though it will not be an easy undertaking, Louise knows that Tulio has her back throughout this big change, as she shares: “[Tulio] and I have had a great relationship in terms of loyalty and respect. He keeps it upfront when it comes to strengthening my business. I trust him to help me and my business.”

The Source is proud to support small businesses such as Beautiful Beginnings Daycare, and cannot wait to see where Louise goes next in her small business journey.

Curious about what goes on during a business advising session? Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes of an advising session between Tulio and Louise!

Ready to take the steps towards success for your small business? Take advantage of free business advising through the Source and develop a one-on-one relationship with an advisor from our network of trusted Business Support Organizations today, learn more here.

Applications open for Source Referral Partners

The Cook County Small Business Source invites new and renewing non-profit organizations to apply to serve as a 2024 Referral Partner and strengthen our network to support small businesses. We seek partners to serve in the following roles with funding allocations based on the role selected. The grants will support work during the period of July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.

·       Specialty Partners (Tier 1): These organizations have expertise in the following areas: supplier development, solar installation, clean energy and procurement readiness. We will expect partners to host events, conduct training sessions, provide specialized resources, and offer referrals to The Source. Specialty Partners will receive $15,000 in funding.

·       Networking Partners (Tier 2): These organizations will foster connections among small businesses by organizing networking events and referring businesses to The Source. Tier 2 Partners will receive $15,000 in funding.

·       Marketing Partners (Tier 3): These organizations will focus on general outreach and marketing efforts for The Source, with a particular emphasis on suburban Cook County-based small businesses. Tier 3 Partners will receive $10,000 in funding.

Any interested organization should complete the application linked here by Friday, June 7, at 5pm CT.

A home away from home: Finding community and entrepreneurial support with The Source

Angel Emmanuel Diaz Alcantara, owner and operator of Frida Room, in the Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL location

Eight years ago, Angel Emmanuel Diaz Alcantara 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. 

Frida Room is not Angel’s first entrepreneurial venture, however. “I have over 20 years of experience as a business owner, but never as a restaurateur,” he said. Despite his extensive experience, Angel shared with the Source that “running a business is not easy.” To overcome the challenges that come along with owning and operating a small business, Angel participated in business advising with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), a Business Support Organization (BSO) partner with The Source. With IHCC, Angel found not only the technical support he needed but also a friend within his advisor, Uriel Mendez. Angel shares “I can call him whenever I need him, we have had a great relationship. He always lends me a hand and has been closely involved in the build-out of our new [Lincoln Park] location.”

Angel Emmanuel Diaz Alcantara (left), owner and operator of Frida Room, with his business advisor, Uriel Mendez of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)

Angel credits the success of his recently opened location in Lincoln Park to the work he has done with Uriel as his business advisor and IHCC. His online marketing, he claims, has been imperative to the initial stage of client acquisition for the new location. Angel has worked extensively with his advising team to develop his website and Google business profile, which he correlates with the heavy foot traffic they have been receiving on the weekends.

When Angel was asked if he would recommend working with an advisor, this is what he had to say:

Ready to take the steps towards success for your small business? Take advantage of free business advising through The Source and develop a one-on-one relationship with an advisor from our network of trusted Business Support Organizations today; learn more here.

*All quotes are directly translated from Spanish.

Women in the arena: Small business owner Ari Krzyzek shares her expert marketing tips with The Source

Ari Krzyzek, CEO and Head of Strategy of Chykalophia, Evanston, IL

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 businesses. Read ahead to learn more about Ari and her advice for small business owners looking to level up their marketing strategies!

How did you become involved in femtech and marketing, and why are you passionate about it?

Ari: My journey into femtech and marketing began with a realization of the unique challenges and opportunities in women's health and wellness sectors. As the CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia, my involvement deepened through projects that aimed to elevate women-led brands, especially in the B2B tech space and then into the FemTech space. The intersection of technology and female health resonated with me, highlighting the profound impact that thoughtful marketing and tech innovation can have on improving women's lives. My passion stems from my personal needs and challenges in the women's health space, as well as the potential to drive change and empower women through these industries. By leveraging technology and strategic marketing, we can address underserved health issues, break taboos, and foster a community of support and innovation.

If a small business owner came to you seeking marketing advice, with no prior marketing experience, where would you recommend they start? How would you best get them acquainted with marketing and tech strategies?

Ari: For someone new to marketing and tech, I would recommend starting with the fundamentals. Understanding the basics of marketing principles–such as the 4 Ps (Product/Service, Price, Place, Promotion)–and getting familiar with digital platforms and tools can provide a solid foundation. I would also advise them to:

  1. Network: Joining communities and groups related to marketing and tech on platforms like LinkedIn or local meetups can offer invaluable insights and connections.
  2. Practice: The best way to learn is by doing. They could start with personal projects or volunteer for nonprofits to get hands-on experience.
  3. Stay Curious: Marketing and tech are ever-evolving fields. Keeping up with industry news and trends will help them stay relevant.
  4. And, above all: 
How would your approach change if you were working with a business owner who is further along in their marketing journey, but is looking for more success in their strategies?

Ari: For someone more experienced but struggling to see success, I would focus on a more analytical and tailored approach. This would involve:

  1. Audit and Analysis: Begin with a comprehensive audit of your current marketing strategies, tools, and campaigns. This step is crucial for identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of your existing approach. Look at what elements are performing well and which ones are falling short of expectations. This analysis should cover everything from content and design to the channels used for distribution.
  2. Conduct User Research: Integral to refining your target audience understanding is conducting detailed user research. This goes beyond basic demographics and seeks to uncover deeper insights into your audience's behaviors, preferences, and pain points. Utilizing surveys, user testing, and analytics can reveal why certain aspects of your marketing may not be resonating as expected. This research can inform how to adjust your strategies to better meet your audience's needs.
  3. Refine Target Audience: With the insights gained from user research, ensure your marketing efforts are precisely tailored to your audience. This may involve segmenting your audience further or revising your value proposition to better align with their expectations and needs.
  4. Innovate and Experiment: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating a willingness to innovate and experiment. Test new strategies, platforms, and technologies that have the potential to more effectively engage your audience. This could mean exploring emerging social media channels, adopting new content formats, or leveraging cutting-edge tech like AI for personalized marketing.
  5. Measure and Optimize: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing activities. Use this data to make informed decisions, continually optimizing your approach for better results. This cycle of measurement and optimization is critical for turning insights into actionable strategies that drive success.

By focusing on these areas, experienced marketers can diagnose issues in their current strategies, uncover new opportunities for engagement, and ultimately, find the right mix of tactics and channels that lead to measurable success.

Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew when you started your business journey? Marketing or otherwise.

Ari: Looking back, one key insight I wish I had grasped earlier is the importance of building a strong network and community from the start. The value of having a supportive network of peers, mentors, and industry connections cannot be overstated. These relationships provide not just opportunities for growth and collaboration but also essential support and guidance through the challenges of entrepreneurship. On top of that, understanding the power of data-driven decision-making in marketing and business operations would have accelerated my success. Leveraging analytics for strategic planning and optimization is crucial for informed decision-making and achieving sustainable growth. Remember, just like what Peter Drucke said: “What gets measured gets done.”

Have you worked with any of The Source’s Business Support Organization partners? If so, could you share with us your experience?

Ari: Yes! I'm continuously working with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to receive business support and consultation around my business needs/challenges. Additionally, I'm also able to contribute to helping other business owners and entrepreneurs through these partners by facilitating a workshop on branding, UX, and web marketing topics, as well as advising them on their business, branding, and/or marketing challenges as a consultant.

Is there anything additional you would like to share?

Ari: Drawing from the combined 25+ years of experience in the web space that my CTO and I share, we've identified a common set of challenges that most small business owners and entrepreneurs face with their website channels. It became clear to us that despite the critical role of digital presence in today's business landscape, many struggle to leverage their websites effectively to drive growth and engagement. This realization led us to author “Made to Sell: Creating Websites that Convert,” a guide aimed at demystifying the strategic underpinnings of successful branding, user experience (UX), and web design for entrepreneurs.

“Made to Sell” is more than just a book; it's a distillation of our extensive experience and the successful strategies we've implemented for a wide range of brands in the digital arena. Designed to be accessible for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, the book provides actionable insights, real-world examples, and practical tips that can be applied immediately to achieve measurable results. Our objective is to empower readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their digital strategies, ensuring their businesses not only stand out in crowded markets but also deeply connect with their target audiences.

By focusing on the core principles of branding, UX, and web design, “Made to Sell” offers a strategic blueprint for entrepreneurs looking to build a website that effectively communicates their brand's value proposition and engages customers at every touchpoint. It's an indispensable resource for anyone aiming to elevate their business in the digital age and secure sustainable growth online.

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 employment for thousands, and a driver of economic growth. Program eligibility requirements included a location in Cook County, less than 20 employees, and having been in operation in 2019 pre-COVID and in operation in 2022, post-COVID.

The County prioritized businesses located in suburban Cook and businesses in sectors hard hit by COVID-19, including hospitality, restaurants and retail. The program provided $10K or $20K awards depending on a business’ annual revenue.

The County engaged the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and Allies for Community Business (A4CB) to serve as the Grant Administrators, as well as Next Street to serve as a Program Coordinator to assist with the management of The Source’s network of 50-plus partners and a multi-channel marketing campaign. Through an equitable, complex, and transparent review process, the County reviewed over 16,000 applications and awarded 3,000 small businesses with grants.

As of February 2024, all $50 million grant funds have been disbursed to 3,000 small businesses throughout Cook County. 

View The 2023 Source Grant awardee list here.

Access archived 2023 Source Grant FAQs here.

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 to healthcare for south suburban Cook County residents forty years later.

Letitia’s journey developing A New Way To Go taught her that running a small business is not without challenges: “There is no step by step guide … you just have to figure it out, you have to research it,” says Letitia. Through the dedicated guidance of her business advisor, Jerrica Hill from the SDA, a partner in providing The Source’s free one-on-one business advising, Letitia has leveraged resources through the SDA to help develop a dynamic business plan to not only “keep the doors open,” but to revitalize her business.

Since beginning business advising, Letitia pursued and won a contract with the Cook County Sheriff Office, providing custom wireless face masks for the County’s correctional facilities. Letitia has also hired a medical sales representative to help market and sell her products, and is planning her next steps to expand into new industries in the near future.
When asked what Letitia would like to share with other small business owners looking to start or scale their small businesses in Cook County, Letitia says, “Don't give up. There are resources out there. I would advise any small business to take advantage of the resources that any city or county may have.”

Thank you Letitia for allowing The Source to work with your small business!

Interested in starting your journey to small business success? Connect with one of our expert advisors at no cost, today! Learn more and sign up here!

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 this, she was inspired to create a place where busy, working people can stop by and get a quick, healthy, and “delicious meal that puts a smile on your face.”

Realizing that Hazel Crest lacked a business like the one she envisioned, Latrice decided to “bet on herself” and establish Pink Panini, but found that starting a business was not without challenges. “The hardest part of being an entrepreneur,” Latrice shared, “is that it often feels like you are alone.” However, with the Southland Development Authority’s (SDA) assistance, a partner within The Source’s BSO network, Latrice learned that she did not have to navigate her entrepreneurial journey alone.

Latrice first started her business advising journey by seeking out application assistance for the 2023 Source Grant. Through the support of her business advisor, Marisela Zambrano, a Relationship Manager with the SDA, Latrice has also adopted new marketing and employee retention strategies. Latrice shares, “The SDA has been assisting me with anything that I need to build my business, to make it grow.” She is now launching a second dining option, Crabs and Cocktails, opening soon next door to Pink Panini, offering seafood, entertainment, and providing the neighborhood “something that they don’t have already.”

Most recently, Latrice became one of the lucky recipients of the 2023 Source Grant and she plans to utilize the grant funds to “catch up on inventory, payroll, and maintenance,” as she recovers from the challenges of the post-pandemic economy.

The Source is excited to showcase small business owners like Latrice in 2024! Want to get involved? Connect with our network of expert business advisors today for no-cost business advising, click here to learn more.

Illinois Back to Business New Business (B2B NewBiz) Grant

The State of Illinois has launched the Illinois Back to Business New Business Grant Program (B2B NewBiz), a grant program that will provide financial relief to businesses in the industries most impacted by the pandemic. The state has allocated $25 million in grant funding to support businesses in hard-hit sectors that started operations between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, but have not been eligible for other federal or state relief programs.

Applications for eligible for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations are open from November 30 through January 11, 2024.

Eligible businesses must have achieved a total revenue of $25,000 to $20 million in 2021 and commenced operations between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Additionally, businesses that have not been eligible for other federal or state relief programs are eligible to apply.

Click Here to Review Eligibility Criteria & Apply

The Cook County Small Business Source serves as a Hub for the Illinois Community Navigator program. As a Hub, the county coordinates 10 partner organizations, known as “Spokes,” to offer application assistance and events, as well as provide direct support to small businesses interested in applying to the Illinois B2B NewBiz grant program.

For information related to application assistance events offered by our network of Spokes, visit our events page.

Need assistance with your Illinois B2B NewBiz application? Sign-up to receive application help from our network of Spokes.

Sign-Up Here

Spokes Include:

B2B NewBiz Grant Informational Flyers

B2B NewBiz Grant Frequently Asked Questions

B2B NewBiz Grant Program and Application Guide

  • To view Program & Application Guides in various languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Tagalog and Vietnamese click here.

Check Your Certificate of Good Standing Status Today!

Make sure your business is in good standing with the State of Illinois. Your business may need to get a copy of your certificate to:

  • Open a business bank account
  • Apply for a business loan
  • Seek investments from investors
  • Purchase small business insurance
  • Register to do business in another state

Keep a current status of Certificate of Good Standing on file to maintain eligibility for grant opportunities offered through the Cook County Small Business Source! No purchase necessary, a screenshot or pdf of the certificate showing the active status of a small business will suffice.

To check the status of your business, go to the Illinois Secretary of State website here.

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 this with no retail knowledge whatsoever. I like to say I went from corrections to confections,” said Marsh.

Marsh connected with the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC), which supports minority-owned businesses to build sustainable and profitable relationships with major buying organizations. CMSDC is Business Support Organization (BSO), one of 11 BSOs that comprise the Cook County Small Business Source business advising network.

“CMSDC has taken me under their wings and helped us to scale, they continue to support and work with us so that we can continue to learn and grow so that we become that go-to brand for all things delicious, nutritious and healthy” Lisa shares.

Discover more on how No-Cost Business Advising through the Source helped Lisa scale her business at the link below.

Read More Here


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