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July is here, and how better to spend the summer than giving your business a boost! Read on to discover exciting upcoming events, including our July Webinar Wednesday and the Pathways to Cook County Summit. It’s a must-attend event for any business owner looking to engage with Cook County Government. Be sure to visit The Source’s table and workshops at this popular event!

Uplifting Seniors, Uplifting Entrepreneurs: The Power of Business Advising

Yvette Lyles is dedicated to helping senior citizens through her Chicago-based business, Silver Pearls Senior Solutions.

Her passion and commitment has always been strong, but she recognized that she needed some additional guidance to help scale her business, which she opened in 2023.

Thanks to the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (Chicago MSDC)—a Business Support Organization with The Source—Yvette has created a digital marketing plan and worked toward obtaining key certifications that will help to expand the possibilities for her business.

“Sometimes you need someone that will help mentor you and give you the encouragement that you need to build up your confidence as you build up the business,” Yvette said.

Shyanne Tounsel, her advisor at Chicago MSDC, loves working with Yvette—and is excited about what’s to come.

“It’s been a dream,” Shyanne said. “She is my shining star.”

July Webinar Wednesday:

Small Business Bookkeeping Basics

Think bookkeeping is just keeping receipts in a folder? Think again!



Join us this July alongside Allies for Community Business (A4CB) for "Small Business Bookkeeping Basics."

What is small business bookkeeping and why is it important to keep records for your business? Join A4CB Business Coach Sabina Loving as she breaks down the types of records small business owners need to keep, how long to keep them and how to organize it all—so your future self says thank you.



Wednesday July 30, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Upcoming events

Helpful resources for your small business

South Side Pitch: South Side’s Shark-Tank Style Competition

South Side Pitch is an annual business pitch competition that showcases and celebrates South Side Chicago’s vibrant small business community. Hosted by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, the event gives entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories and pitch their ventures. Participants present to a panel of judges and a live audience for a chance to win over $36,000 in cash prizes. This year’s finals will take place on October 16, 2025. Learn more and apply here by August 4, 2025.

City of Chicago Community Development Grants

The City of Chicago is now accepting applications for small, medium and large Community Development Grants. Small grants up to $250,000 are intended to support eligible commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing projects. Priority is given to proposals that strengthen local communities by leveraging neighborhood assets and contributing to long-term vitality. Eligible applicants include private and nonprofit developers, property owners, and businesses. Applications for small and medium grants are due by 11:59 PM CT on August 15, 2025. Learn more and apply here.

Join The Source at the 2025 Pathways to Cook County Summit 

Join Cook County for the third annual Pathways to Cook County Summit, a one-day county-wide initiative designed to inform the public of current 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) partners, featuring the latest updates on Cook County grant opportunities and expert guidance on accessing capital resources to grow your business.

2025 Pathways to Cook County Summit

Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 9 AM-2 PM

University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Dorin Forum,

725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois