You’ve got mail! Discover The Source’s July eNewsletter–filled with the resources, news, events and more to help your business grow and thrive! | | Capital Resources: Funding Your Small Business with a Zero-Interest Loan | | Need funding to help your business grow and thrive? Join The Source as we make the search for affordable and accessible capital a lot easier. | |
Attend the July Webinar Wednesday, built for business owners who would like to learn more about one of The Source’s preferred CFI partner, Jewish Free Loan Chicago’s (JFLC; a nonprofit serving people of all backgrounds) zero-interest loans of up to $20,000, and how no-cost business advising with The Source’s partner, Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) can support you through every stage of the process, from application to approval and beyond.
By the end of the webinar, you'll know whether this loan is the right fit for your business and exactly how to take the next step with a business advisor through The Source.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Financial Foundations: Tips from The Source | | |
Community Financial Institutions (CFIs)—often including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)—are mission‑driven lenders such as community banks, credit unions and nonprofit loan funds that focus on expanding economic opportunity in the communities they serve. CDFIs are certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and are specifically designed to provide responsible, affordable financing to small businesses, residents and community projects that may not qualify for traditional lending.
These institutions play a critical role in strengthening local economies. They reinvest capital locally, support small business growth, expand access to affordable housing, and offer flexible, community‑responsive financial products. By serving borrowers who face barriers in the mainstream financial system, CFIs and CDFIs help ensure that credit and financial services reach underserved neighborhoods and entrepreneurs.
The Source is proud to partner with five local CFIs as our trusted lenders for Cook County small businesses seeking capital. Interested in learning more? Sign up for business advising to be matched with the right CFI for your unique needs.
| | Join The Source at the 2026 Pathways to Cook County Summit | | |
Join Cook County and The Source for the fourth annual Pathways to Cook County Summit, a one-day countywide event designed to inform the public of contracting opportunities and resources available within the County.
Don’t miss interactive workshops led by The Source and our network of Business Support Organization (BSO) and Community Financial Institution partners, featuring expert guidance on accessing capital resources to grow your business. Click here to register today.
2026 Pathways to Cook County Summit
Wednesday, August 12, 2026,
9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Dorin Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois
| | Contractors and Subcontractors: Prepare for the Construction Matchmaking Event at Pathways to Cook County | | |
To help contractors and subcontractors prepare for Pathways to Cook County, Cook County's Office of the Chief Procurement Officer and Bureau of Asset Management are hosting an informative online session on Wednesday, August 5, at 1 PM.
Attendees will learn how to prepare for one-on-one networking with Cook County's prime contractors. Vendors in general construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, site work and environmental services are especially encouraged to attend.
Pathways to Cook County will also feature panel discussions on construction procurement and IT procurement. Whether you're pursuing subcontracting work or planning ahead for future Cook County projects, this preparation session offers a valuable head start.
Click here to register for the Construction Matchmaking Information Session.
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Small Business Opportunities
Free Lead Service Line Replacements for Child Care Facilities in Cook County
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Child care providers in suburban Cook County can now get their lead water service lines replaced completely free, with no fees and no hassle. LeadCare Cook County covers everything from inspection and replacement by licensed plumbers to site restoration, temporary water solutions and post-replacement testing, all with fast turnaround and minimal downtime.
If your facility's water service line, the pipe delivering water from the street main, is made of lead, it could be leaching into your drinking water. This program removes that risk for free, helping create a healthier environment for the children in your care.
Spots are filling up fast, and enrollment closes on July 31, 2026. Visit LeadCareCookCounty.org/FinalChance today to learn more.
| | Apply Now: Chicago Bears Small Business All-Pros Presented by PNC | |
The Chicago Bears have announced the return of Small Business All-Pros presented by PNC, a signature initiative celebrating local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and strengthen neighborhoods across Chicagoland. Now in its seventh year, the program reflects the Bears' and PNC's ongoing commitment to small business growth in the region.
Four small businesses will join the 2026 cohort, each receiving a four-week marketing partnership with the Bears, including a featured profile on ChicagoBears.com, promotion across Bears-owned channels and gameday recognition at two home games. Winners also receive a complimentary 12-month Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce membership, offering networking opportunities and more.
Applications are open now through 11:59 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 29. Click here to apply now.
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If your business was impacted by the June 11, 2026 severe stroms and tornados in Cook County, recovery assistance is now available. The U.S. Small Business Administration has officially approved a disaster declaration, making low-interest disaster loans available to help cover damages not paid for by insurance.
Who can apply:
- Homeowners and renters (repairs, personal property losses)
- Businesses and certain nonprofits (physical damage and economic losses)
Loan amounts:
- Up to $500,000 for home repairs
- Up to $100,000 for personal property
- Up to $2 million for businesses
Deadlines:
- Physical damage: September 8, 2026
- Economic injury (businesses): April 12, 2027
Don't wait; apply now! Visit sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 for more information.
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