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This email contains a corrected date for the Subcontractor 101 event previously included in our January 2025 e-Newsletter sent on Thursday, January 16.

What's new this month

Happy New Year! As 2025 kicks off, now is the perfect time to take bold steps toward your business goals. Whether you’re focused on scaling operations, strengthening your team or tapping into new opportunities, The Source is here to help you stay inspired and equipped for success.

Little Munchkins: A small corner store with big plans

Meet Teresa Flores, the heart and soul behind Little Munchkins Produce, a beloved corner store in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. Juggling multiple businesses and a family, Teresa knows the hustle that comes with owning and operating a small business all too well. But thanks to the support of 36Squared, a local Business Support Organization offering business advising in partnership with The Source, she’s discovering smarter strategies to grow her store and lighten the load.


From grant applications to business workshops, Teresa's business advising journey is one of perseverance, partnership, and progress. Curious about how she’s turning challenges into opportunities? Dive into her journey and discover how a little guidance is making a big difference.

Read more

Get ahead of 2025: Essential tax prep tips for small business owners

As the new year unfolds, don’t let tax season sneak up on you! Early preparation can help you dodge costly mistakes, optimize your deductions, and put your business in good standing to act fast on grants and loan opportunities. Our latest blog, in collaboration with the Southland Development Authority, explores:  


  • When to bring in a tax professional 
  • How to stay organized with your records
  • And ways to maximize your tax savings 


Whether you're expanding to new locations or navigating complex tax laws, these strategies will help keep your business financially agile. Click here to discover how to make tax season work for you!

Read more

Upcoming events

Funding opportunities

OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program


The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment has launched a new grant program to support small businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals or very small businesses with funding for capital and infrastructure projects. Applications are accepted through Monday, April 7, 2025 at 5 PM.

Learn more

Are you interested in the solar industry?

The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development is excited to announce the Cook County Solar Synergy program, designed to build a more diverse pipeline of solar installation contractors and workforce to meet the growing demand within the industry. The Source will play a crucial role in supporting the project, including adding business advising services tailored to the industry in 2025.


Want to learn more? Please fill out our quick, four-question survey about your business and your current involvement or interest in the solar industry.


Take the survey by 1/31

What support do you need to reach your 2025 goals?


With 2025 in full swing, there’s no better time to focus on your business goals and bring your vision to life. Take our quick poll below to help us curate resources to best support you.

What kind of support or resources would help you reach your 2025 goals?
A: Marketing and sales strategies
B: Financial planning and funding
C: Networking and partnerships
D: Business coaching or mentoring

Do you have content suggestions or ideas you would like to share with The Source? Contact us at info@cookcountysmallbiz.org or through our social media platforms to let us know what resources you would like to see from The Source in 2025!

Contact us

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Website: cookcountysmallbiz.org


Email: info@cookcountysmallbiz.org