Applications are open for organizations to serve as Business Support Organizations (BSOs) with the Cook County Small Business Source throughout fiscal year 2027.
Cook County will select up to 20 organizations to serve as BSOs, providing no-cost advising services to small businesses throughout Cook County. Applications are due Aug. 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. A webinar outlining the application process will be held July 28, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Details are available on the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development’s open calls website.
The Source’s BSOs provide one-on-one business advising tailored to Cook County business owners’ needs, as well as classes, workshops and other group learning opportunities.
Eligible applicants must be business-facing nonprofit organizations in Cook County with prior experience in the Cook County Small Business Source program or an equivalent contracted role with the City of Chicago or State of Illinois.
Organizations may apply at one of three funding levels. Selected BSOs will cultivate The Source’s clients and must have capacity to meet advising requirements that range from 15 to 100 sessions per month, depending on the funding level.
The grant terms for this program coincide with the County’s fiscal year, from Dec. 1, 2026, through Nov. 30, 2027. The County may offer an extension of up to two years, depending on performance and funding availability.
View full press release announcing applications for 2027 BSOs.
