RISE End of Year Recognition Luncheon | |
On Dec. 5, the Village of Schaumburg and Roosevelt University celebrated the first cohort of the Roosevelt Incubator for Schaumburg Enterprises (RISE) with a luncheon recognizing their accomplishments. Elected officials, village leadership, Roosevelt faculty, and key stakeholders attended to honor the program’s successes over the past year and to look ahead with excitement to its continued growth in 2026.
The RISE program was launched earlier this year through a partnership between the village and Roosevelt University, supported by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The initiative provides small businesses with a monthly lecture series, hands-on support, and tailored guidance from Roosevelt faculty and students to help entrepreneurs strengthen operations, explore new opportunities, and build the foundation for long-term success.
During the luncheon, members of the first cohort shared reflections on their progress throughout the program and highlighted how the combination of coursework, mentoring, and one-on-one assistance contributed to the development of their business goals. Attendees also heard from Roosevelt student interns who supported the cohort by conducting research, offering technical assistance, and helping participants refine their strategies.
The event concluded with recognition of community partners who contributed to the program and a look ahead to the next cohort beginning in 2026. The village and Roosevelt University expressed their continued commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses through innovative programming.
For more information about the RISE program or future opportunities to participate, please contact the village’s Economic Development Department.
| | Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week 2026 | |
Calling all chefs, restaurateurs, and flavor-makers—it’s time to show off what makes your menu unforgettable! Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week is right around the corner, and we’re inviting our local dining partners to join the celebration.
Restaurant Week is a 10-day celebration highlighting the best of Chicago Northwest dining, spanning from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2026. Participating restaurants offer special multi-course menus or featured menus designed to attract new guests, create buzz, and boost business during a typically slower season.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Free marketing exposure on Meet Chicago Northwest's website
- Exposure to thousands of hungry diners
- The chance to turn first-time visitors into loyal fans
Download the toolkit to view participation tips and deadlines. The deadline to register is Dec. 31, 2025. For more information, please contact Meet Chicago Northwest.
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Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Schaumburg businesses will continue to follow the Illinois State minimum wage of $15 per hour. New employees (first 90 days of employment) over 18 years of age may be paid up to 50 cents less per hour, whereas tipped employees may be paid 60% of the hourly minimum wage ($9).
Employees under 18 years of age working less than 650 hours per year may be paid $13 per hour, whereas those working more than 650 hours per year must be paid the state's minimum wage of $15 per hour. Overtime must be paid after 40 hours of work per week at time and one-half the regular rate. The Village of Schaumburg opted out of the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance and the Cook County Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.
Additional information on the State's Minimum Wage requirements can be found on the Illinois Department of Labor's website.
| | Featured Business of the Month | | Fox Sprinkler Supply Corporation – 951 Estes Ct. | |
The Village of Schaumburg is pleased to announce Fox Sprinkler Supply Corporation as the Schaumburg Business Development Commission's November featured Business of the Month.
Fox Sprinkler is a woman-owned supplier serving the fire protection industry with high-quality fire sprinkler system components and exceptional customer service. Known for prioritizing walk-in orders and responding quickly to urgent delivery needs, Fox Sprinkler has become a trusted resource for contractors, property managers, and fire-suppression teams who depend on timely parts and support. The business is located at 951 Estes Ct.
Celebrating its 25th year in 2025, Fox Sprinkler continues to make meaningful contributions to both the industry and the community. Owner Danielle Sandfox, along with Dan Rossol and Eric Todd, remain active with IFPA, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, NFPA, and SFPE. The company is also a member of the Schaumburg Business Association, and employees regularly volunteer at Septemberfest and other village programs. To learn more, please visit their website.
| | Dawn Block Century 21 – 718B E. Schaumburg Rd. | |
The featured business of the month for December is Dawn Block Century 21 Circle. For more than 37 years, Dawn Block has been a full-time, full-service realtor serving Schaumburg, the surrounding northwest suburbs, and Chicago, leveraging her deep neighborhood knowledge and strong communication skills to guide buyers and sellers with confidence.
Dawn built her practice around long-term relationships, positioning herself as a trusted real estate resource for Schaumburg Business Association members and the broader community while representing Century 21 Circle under her “Meet the EXPERT on the BLOCK” brand. Her career reflects a consistent focus on service, professionalism, and advocacy for local homeowners and businesses.
Dawn stands out for her commitment to promoting small businesses and embracing new technology. She creates and produces a “Meet the Expert on the Block” web series, which launched before COVID, and now has close to 100 episodes that she has personally written, filmed, edited, and shared to spotlight neighborhood entrepreneurs and community assets. An active member and ambassador with the SBA, she supports our community, from giving away more than 100 Thanksgiving pies to residents and clients, to sponsoring this year’s carriage rides with Santa at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Art’s annual tree lighting.
Dawn uses AI and social media to amplify local stories, living out her philosophy that “to help my business, I need to help your business.” She goes above and beyond to support the economic and civic life of Schaumburg. To learn more, visit her website.
| | Blufish Sushi Bistro – 1530 McConnor Pkwy. | Blufish Sushi Bistro is now open at 1530 McConnor Pkwy. The former Jason’s Deli has been transformed into a sleek, modern dining space featuring a welcoming outdoor patio. Blufish Sushi Bistro offers a contemporary spin on classic Japanese cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience built on fresh, high-quality ingredients and outstanding service. The Schaumburg location is their fourth, joining their restaurants in Vernon Hills, Glenview, and Park Ridge. To learn more, visit their website. | | Lao Hu Tong – 24 W. Golf Rd. | |
The highly-anticipated Lao Hu Tong has quickly become a popular addition to Schaumburg’s dining scene. Located at 24 W. Golf Rd., the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Asia in a warm, inviting setting.
The menu features a wide range of traditional dishes, including stir-fry, noodles, ramen, dumplings, bao, and classic comfort foods, along with a variety of fruit and milk teas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dine-in experience or take their favorites to go.
Learn more about the new restaurant on their website.
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Redstone Wealth Advisors, currently located at 111 E. Schaumburg Rd. in Waterbury Place, is constructing a new office at 35 E. Schaumburg Rd. This 5,000-square-foot facility is designed to support the firm’s current team and future growth.
With an investment of more than $2 million, Redstone plans to relocate its staff into the new space upon completion of construction in 2026. The new building will also feature a shared outdoor amenity space with Vintage Café.
| | Harper College Small Business Resources | |
Harper College offers a variety of resources and programs for small business development, including courses for small business owners. These classes aim to help owners improve their skills in starting a business, marketing, cash flow, and many other useful topics.
In addition to offering small business courses, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Harper College provides free consulting and advising appointments.
For more information on available resources or to schedule an appointment with a business advisor, visit Harper College's website.
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| About The Small Business Source | | The Schaumburg Small Business Source is an e-newsletter distributed to small business owners, Schaumburg residents, and visitors to keep them informed of the latest activities and resources in the area. If you have any questions or comments about the information provided in this e-newsletter, contact the Economic Development Department at (847) 923-3707. |
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