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Summertime is here, and this month, we’re celebrating the story of two small business owners who connected thanks to the power of The Source’s no-cost business advising. 

Plus, don’t miss our June Webinar Wednesday, which will help you transform your website. We’re also excited to share the latest updates from Chicago Innovation, and keep you updated on helpful financial resources and tools.

No matter your needs as a business owner, The Source is ready to help–all summer long.

Better together: How two Source clients teamed up for success

After running Print Innovation Lab from his Oak Park home for seven years, Juan Carlos Hernandez needed more space to grow. 

He was interested in opening a brick-and-mortar location, but he wanted to ensure it was the right move—and that he had the right partners to make it a success. 

With the help of business advising through the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) - one of The Source's Business Support Organizations - Juan Carlos was able to take his next steps with confidence.  

The WBDC connected Juan Carlos with Ildiko Kresz, a local real estate broker–and fellow Source client–who worked closely with him to find the perfect location in the heart of downtown Oak Park. 

Now with his new location, Juan Carlos is bringing his craft to life in the heart of his community, ready to welcome more artists and clients than ever before.

June Webinar Wednesday:

Made to Sell: Creating websites that convert customers

In today’s business world, having a website is almost a requirement. But just because you built something doesn’t mean the masses will engage with your brand, buy your products or sign up for your services. That’s where The Source and our dynamic network can help!

Hosted in collaboration with the Chinese Mutual Aid Association and Ari Krzyzek—a seasoned brand and web strategist (and a 2023 Source Grant recipient)—our June Webinar Wednesday will reveal the tips and tricks to help transform your website, and in turn, your brand and revenue.

Whether you have a simple one-page site or a complex retail store with thousands of products, this webinar will help you:

• Gain a clear website purpose for your business
• Identify key target metrics for website conversions
• Design a user experience that your customers and audience will love

Wednesday June 18, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Upcoming events

Helpful resources for your small business

Boost your business: Complimentary access to Finli’s digital business tools

Finli and JPMorganChase are collaborating to empower small business owners with easy-to-use digital financial tools. Finli’s platform can help send professional invoices, manage customer relationships, collect digital payments, keep track of inventory + more! Through this partnership, eligible small and medium-sized businesses will gain complimentary access to Finli’s all-in-one platform for the first year to help them grow and succeed. Learn more here.

Help your employees save for retirement, at no cost to you

Illinois Secure Choice is a state-required retirement savings program for small businesses with five or more employees that don’t offer a qualified retirement plan. Employers facilitate payroll deductions, but there’s no cost or contribution requirement for the business. By participating, you help your employees save for retirement and stay compliant with state law. Learn more or sign up at employer.securitychoice.com. 

Celebrating Chicagoland ingenuity: Nominations open for the Chicago Innovation Awards

For the 24th year, the Chicago Innovation Awards will celebrate the most inventive new products and services in the Chicago region. Nominees can cut across all industries, from large corporations to new start-ups, for-profit and nonprofit, high tech and low tech. The key is innovation.

Submitting a nomination is free and can be completed online. The deadline to nominate is July 31.