News archives

The Cook County Small Business Source is seeking non-profit organizations to join its partner network as a Referral Partner.  We seek organizations that: Have a footprint or presence in Suburban…
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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 accountApply for…
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March 1, 2023 Thank you to all the businesses who applied for a Grow Grant. We appreciate your interest, your participation, and your patience in moving this program forward. Please…
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Congratulations to our partners at the Berwyn Development Corporation for launching Berwyn Shops, a new business incubator supported by the Cook County Small Business Source. The Berwyn Shops, features 12 women-owned…
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Take advantage of our discounted 3% interest rate by applying for a small business loan today! This special offer will apply to all applications received by June 30, 2022. Applications…
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Join our webinar series to learn more about the State of Illinois’ Strengthen and Grow Childcare Grants Provided by the State of Illinois, these new grants give licensed and eligible childcare…
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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…
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Meet the Business Support Organization — Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tell me about the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and your participation in the Small Business Source We were…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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***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…
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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…
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***Application for eligibility is now closed.  Looking to Pivot Your Business into Recovery for 2021? Most businesses have been negatively affected by the pandemic, especially small businesses. If you are…
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Economic Injury Disaster Loan EIDL Advance funds were originally calculated based on the number of employees on an applicant’s COVID-19 EIDL application: $1,000/employee, up to a maximum of $10,000. The…
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On Tuesday, April 6th at 2:00 PM EDT, Reimagine Main Street will host a launch event regarding the important role small business owners can play in promoting vaccine access, confidence, and equity.…
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***Application for eligibility is now closed. 5/24/21.   UPDATE (5/21): Final Call! SBA announced that businesses have until Monday, May 24, 8 p.m. ET, to submit applications to the Restaurant Revitalization…
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As a recipient of Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Grant Recipient/Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) through the county, you should have received a 1099-MISC Form from the WBDC. If you have not…
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Delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses is a top priority. On February 22, some critical reform was announced to build on the success of PPP. These changes are designed…
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The thought of the uncertainty and fear the COVID-19 pandemic introduced to Luz Cavazos’ life and livelihood still brings tears to her eyes. The owner of Juicy Luzy Sangria poured…
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In 2020 small businesses around the world were stunned by the economic impact of COVID-19. The paycheck protection program (PPP) was created to offer financial relief to small businesses owners,…
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Small businesses are often passion projects that started to turn a profit. There are endless tales of small businesses owners who can’t manage the books. If this resonates with you,…
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