Chicago SBDC, NBDC, and APEX @ CMAA

December 2024 Newsletter

Event Highlights

On Thursday, December 12, 2024, we held our inaugural Holiday Small Business Diverse Supplier Expo. We would like to express our gratitude to the over 160 small businesses that braved the sub-zero temps to meet and network with 40 government agencies, prime contractors, and resource partners!

Small businesses were exposed to various matchmaking/networking opportunities including one-on-one meetings to five-on-one open tables to electronic presentations booths. Small business owners left feeling energized after making valuable connections that could lead to future government contracts, subcontracting opportunities, strategic partnerships, new resources, and collaborations with other like-minded businesses. Our team is proud and honored to have been able to provide this incredible forum to help foster and grow the increasingly important domestic industrial base!  

Stay tuned for our events in 2025!

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💡Client Spotlight🎉

Charlotte Trecartin, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Arlington Heights, Illinois, is the founder of CharCharms, a fast-growing water bottle accessory brand. What began as a startup in her dad's garage has blossomed into a multimillion-dollar business. Charlotte’s innovative marketing, product design, and community engagement have earned her recognition, including a nomination for Forbes 30 Under 30!

CharCharms has achieved major milestones, expanding into retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and Target and launching new product lines such as bag and shoe charms. Starting in 2021 from a basement, the company quickly outgrew the space, moving into a 9,000-square-foot warehouse in September 2024 to meet rising demand. From a startup idea to a multimillion-dollar business, CharCharms now serves customers nationwide and is a role model for young entrepreneurs!

https://charcharms.com/

Upcoming Grants

• All Small Businesses
• Year-End Skip Grant
• Amount= $10,000
• DEADLINE: 12/31/24
• Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
• Amount=$2,500
• DEADLINE: 5:00 PM on 12/31/24
• Galaxy Grant
• Amount=$1,500
• DEADLINE: 12/31/24
• Hustler’s MicroGrant
• Amount= $1,000
• Application Fee= $15
• DEADLINE: 12/31/24
• Small Business Improvement Fund by City of Chicago and SomerCor
• Amount= Determined by the property and business type (MAX- Commercial- $150,000 & Industrial-$250,000)
• November TIF Districts (check your TIF District)
• 35th/Halsted
• 47th/Halsted
• 67th/Wentworth
• 95th/Western
• Ogden/Pulaski
• DEADLINE: 5:00 PM on 12/30/24 
• People of Color & Women of Color
• Amber Grant Foundation
• Amount= $10,000-$25,000
• For ALL WOMEN
• Application Fee= $15
• Various options, learn more
• DEADLINE: 12/31/24
• HerRise MicroGrant
• Amount= $1,000
• Application Fee= $15
• DEADLINE: 12/31/24
• Black & Minority Marketing Grant
• No cash component, free search engine optimization (SEO) evaluations & advice
• NO DEADLINE
• Restaurants
• DoorDash Restaurant Relief Disaster Relief Fund
• Amount= $10,000
• DEADLINE: 5:00 PM on 3/3/24
• High Roads Kitchen by One Fair Wage and City of Chicago
• Amount= $10,000 - $30,000
• DEADLINE: Rolling basis

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to schedule a counseling session. Contact us at illinoissbdc@chinesemutualaid.org.

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Sincerely,

The Economic Development Center at CMAA

IL SBDC

Website | IL SBDC, NBDC, IL APEX

IL APEX