Celebrate Manufacturing Month | | |
Join us in celebrating Manufacturing Month, an initiative championed by the Manufacturing Institute to celebrate the future of manufacturing careers. Thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide open their doors to students, parents, educators and community leaders throughout the month, coming together to best prepare the next generation with the skills they need to succeed within the manufacturing sector.
Visit the MFG Day official website to discover local events and networking opportunities at Cook County manufacturers.
| | Manufacturing Matters in Cook County | | |
Manufacturing has powered Cook County’s past and is driving its future—fueling careers, strengthening communities, and shaping innovation.
With average salaries ranging from $45K to $100K and strong growth ahead, manufacturing offers rewarding career paths close to home. Learn more about how Cook County is supporting local manufacturing and well paying career pathways at cookcountyil.gov/m3.
| | Makers on the Move - Illinois Manufacturing Bus Tour | | | | Join us in celebrating manufacturing excellence in Cook County as the bus makes its way to local manufacturers on Friday, October 3. Take part in opportunities to network, discover M3 Chicago resources to support manufacturers, and be sure to add your autograph to the bus! | | | |
Makers on the Move Kickoff:
The Will Group
9 to 10 AM
4647 W. Polk St., Chicago, IL
| | The Makers on the Move celebrations continue throughout Cook County with stops at local manufacturers all day long! Visit the following locations for an up-close look at high-tech, clean, and sustainable manufacturing. | |
Industrial Fence
11 AM to 12 PM
Chicago, IL
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Arc-Tronics
1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Elk Grove Village, IL
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Mother's Milk Bank WGL
3 PM to 4 PM
Elk Grove Village, IL
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CARR Machine & Tool,Inc.
4 PM to 5 PM
Elk Grove Village, IL
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Happy Hour Block Party
6 PM to 8 PM
Mikerphone Brewing, Elk Grove Village, IL
| | Wrap up Manufacturing Day with us while celebrating a fun start to this year’s Makers on the Move bus tour. Registration is required for this free event. | | | | |
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts on Energy Tax Credits and Transferability
9 - 10 AM
Location: Online
Presented By: IMEC, IMA
| | How will you be impacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? This webinar will break down the latest updates and explore how tax credits can be used to create meaningful business opportunities. | | | | |
National APEX Day: Coffee Shop Chat with the Feds & the SLEDs
10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Chicago, IL
Presented By: APEX Accelerators
| | Celebrate National APEX Day at Vjosa Cafe & Events in Chicago, IL with your local APEX Accelerators! This in person event is your chance to connect with federal, state, local, and education entities. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with government contractors. | | Join CAIC at Uesco Cranes for a plant tour, networking, and light refreshments alongside CAIC members and regional stakeholders. Take a behind-the-scenes look at Uecso's manufacturing facility, along with an introduction to the company by owner Ryan Marks. | | | |
Government Contracting Market Research Practices
1 - 2 PM
Location: Online
Presented By: Southland Development Authority
| | Learn how to successfully navigate the process of sourcing and bidding for government contracts. Whether you are new to government contracting or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, this webinar will introduce business owners to the tools, platforms, and strategies needed to compete in the government marketplace. | | | |
Is AI Relevant for my Manufacturing Business?
12 - 1 PM
Location: Online
Presented By: IMA
| | Join IMA and explore how to effectively access powerful opportunities and results with AI. This webinar will include a concise overview of the evolving AI landscape, insights into the challenges manufacturers face when adopting AI and a strategic roadmap to begin your AI journey and avoid being left behind. | | | |
CMMC Is Now Law: What the 48 CFR Rule Means for Your Contracts
1 - 2 PM
Location: Online
Presented By: IMEC
| | Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements are now embedded in most DoD contracts, making compliance no longer optional. Join IMEC in this webinar alongside cybersecurity specialists from Core Business Solutions, as they break down what this means for contractors and subcontractors, how it impacts bidding and renewals, and the steps businesses must take to remain eligible for government contracts. | | | |
Forge5 featuring
8 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Chicago, IL
Presented By: The Metals Hub
| | The Metals Hub and Daley College MTEC invite you to Forge5 to explore how Industry 5.0 is transforming the way we design, produce, and collaborate. Forge5 is where innovation meets collaboration, designed for manufacturers and stakeholders eager to thrive in the age of automation, AI, and human-centered design. | | | |
TMA on Tap: Mount Prospect
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Mount Prospect, IL
Presented By: TMA
| | Big News for Manufacturers: SBA Loan Fees Waived | | |
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has rolled out changes that make it easier and more affordable for manufacturers to access capital.
- SBA 504 Program: Upfront Guaranty Fees and annual Servicing Fees are waived, lowering costs for manufacturers investing in real estate, equipment, or machinery.
- SBA 7(a) Program: For loans under $950,000, upfront SBA fees are waived, helping manufacturers access working capital and fund growth with fewer barriers.
These updates mean more savings, more flexibility, and more opportunities to invest in your business. Now is a great time to explore SBA financing options to fuel your next stage of growth.
| | Help Improve What’s Known About Small Businesses: Federal Reserve Survey Now Open | | |
The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and M3 Chicago is a proud partner in this effort. Owners and key financial decision-makers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about whether and how you use debt, what financial conditions you face and more. Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Click here to take the 12-minute survey now.
| | The Catalyst Grant: Eligible Manufacturers, Apply Now! | | |
Cook County businesses are powering the local economy, and now it’s time to push yours to the next level.
The Catalyst Grant will provide $100,000 grants to 88 businesses poised for growth in sectors including manufacturing. Use it to address workforce needs, modernize equipment or upgrade your facility.
Applications close Friday, October 31, 2025 at
5 p.m. CT. Learn more at cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant.
| | MISSION: M3 Chicago advances equitable and sustainable development by helping manufacturers expand, collaborate, network, innovate and access critical resources. M3 Chicago connects the region’s manufacturers, economic development organizations, local governments, educational and research institutions, trade associations and workforce agencies. | | | | |
