The Oak Park–River Forest Chamber has partnered with the Village of Oak Park Office of Economic Vitality, Dominican University's Brennan School of Business, and the SBA to bring a week of free programming to our community for National Small Business Week 2026.

Four events, four topics, all free — here's what's on the calendar.

All events are free and open to Oak Park small business owners, Oak Park residents who own businesses, and Chamber members and prospective members. Registration is required or encouraged depending on the event — click through for details.

Click on any graphic to get more information about the event and to sign up.

Explore what's in store, including fun and educational activities happening throughout.

PLAN YOUR MONTH

RALLY 'ROUND FOR RIVER FOREST

Calling festival sponsors and vendors! The Business Bash is returning to River Forest's beautiful Keystone Park on Monday, May 25. This family-friendly celebration of neighbors, veterans, and civic pride kicks off immediately after the River Forest Memorial Day Parade.

Participation is FREE for River Forest- and veteran-owned businesses and discounted for Chamber members. It's a fantastic way to feature your business in our area's official kickoff to summer fun.

Want your brand to make a bigger impact? Sponsorship tiers start at $250 and every additional sponsorship dollar may allow us to offer live entertainment, kids' activities, and more – meaning your support will also have a real hand in shaping what the day becomes.  

WIN A BOOTH AT WHAT'S BLOOMING ON HARRISON

Our friends at the Oak Park Arts District are hosting What's Blooming on Harrison — a street festival that's been drawing thousands to the Arts District every spring since 1999. Art fair, live music, food vendors, beer garden, kids' carnival, the works.

And we're raffling off a 10x10 booth space at the fair to one lucky Chamber member. To enter, send an email to programming@oprfchamber.org by April 30. 

FREE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP NEXT WEEK

The Village of Oak Park and EnergySense are teaming up to help building owners and tenants get smarter about energy efficiency — Tuesday, April 28, 3:30–4:30pm at the Oak Park Public Library (834 Lake St.)



The session is part of a broader Village initiative to improve efficiency across Oak Park's commercial and residential buildings. It's free, refreshments will be served, it's only an hour, and your utility bills will thank you.

That’s it for this week—thanks for reading and for helping our business community thrive together!

Stay Connected

Hungry for more? Follow us on social media below. Or, fill out our Member Connections Form to choose updates on programs, events, and get involved.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

1101 Lake St., Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301

708.613.0550 | info@oprfchamber.org | www.oprfchamber.org