Happy Holidays from the

Though 2022 has been another challenging year of rebuilding and recovery, we look forward to continued engagement, resourcefulness and growth with Cook County’s small business community in 2023.

With $25.5 M in federal ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act) from Cook County, The Source launched the Grow Grant in 2022. With outreach and assistance from our network of over 40 partners, listed below, and support from We Rise Together, we received more than 22,000 applications. The Women Business Development Center and Allies for Community Business, our Grant Administrators, are reviewing applications now and we will share status updates with businesses in January 2023. We appreciate your patience.

Since 2020, The Source has supported the growth and elevation of Cook County’s small businesses. Below is a snapshot of the impact of our work.

THE SOURCE IMPACT SINCE SEPTEMBER 2020

As we look to the New Year, we are happy to share with you three stories from 2022 that illustrate how our business advising services help small businesses grow in Cook County.

Thank you to each and every small business who has worked tirelessly to contribute to our local economy in 2022, and we look forward to seeing you in 2023!

Lalo’s on Maxwell Street

Business Support Organization: Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“There are so many small business owners here in Cook County who have the skills, the talent and the drive—they just need support, access to capital and coaching to make their vision a reality. I’m proud to say that Cook County has helped me to do that.”

- Alex Cabrera, Owner of Lalo’s on Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL

Aki Rah Tailoring

Business Support Organization: Berywn Development Corporation

“Being a person of color, it makes an enormous difference for companies like us to have access to capital. I am very grateful for the support we have already received from Cook County including job training for our employees and additional marketing support. There is light at the end of the tunnel when you are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

- Yvonne Barrett, CEO/Designer at Aki Rah Tailoring, Berwyn, IL

W3Body - A Women's Gym

Business Support Organization: Berywn Development Corporation

“Business Advising has allowed me to learn new information which, in turn, has helped me to think outside the box. Through this program, I was able to meet with someone face-to-face, which is so much more engaging and beneficial. I received one-on-one help that was tailored to my specific questions about marketing and online platforms.”

- Jamie Revell, President/Owner of W3Body - A Women's Gym, Berwyn, IL

A special thanks to our Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and Referral Partners who work year round to provide businesses like you with the support you need.

Cook County Small Business Source Business Support Organizations

Cook County Small Business Source Referral Partners

18th Street Development Corp (Economic Strategies Development Corporation) • 36Squared Incubator • Arts Alliance Illinois • Chamber57 • Chicago Heights Economic Development Corporation • Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce • Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation • Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs • Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce • Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce • Far South Community Development Corporation • Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce • Greenwood Archer Capital • Ignite Technology and Innovation • IL Action for Children • Illinois Business Immigration Coalition • Illinois Minority Business Development Agency (IL MBDA) Business Center • Indo-American Center • Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce • Native American Chamber of Commerce • Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Polish American Chamber of Commerce • Puerto Rican Cultural Center • Rogers Park Business Alliance • Schaumburg Business Association • SomerCor • South East Chicago Commission • South Shore Chamber of Commerce • Southland Black Chamber of Commerce • Southwest Collective • West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce • West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry • Westside United

Connect With Us

The Cook County Small Business Source provides no-cost one-on-one coaching, group webinars and events and online resources to help small businesses thrive and grow.

Sign up for free Business Advising to connect with one of our advisors from the region’s leading business services organizations!

Contact Us

[email protected]

Cook County Small Business Source