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This month, dive into one of the most essential strategies for small business success: a strong support network! From a business owner leveraging a network of supportive advising to grow - to providing you with the resources to expand your support circle - The Source is here to help. Plus, we need your support to secure a major award recognizing our BSO network's invaluable work!

Read on and discover more in our October newsletter, the next step

towards empowering your business!

'It takes a village': How no-cost business advising is helping one business grow locally and abroad

Mohammad Salehi, owner of Heray Spice, opened his Chicago-based business in 2017. With a network of over 70 farmers, he grows his products, including saffron, in his home country of Afghanistan, then sells them to restaurants, food distributors and the everyday home chef.



Like so many others, Mohammad faced hardships throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but today, his business is thriving.

In recent years, business advising with Allies for Community Business has provided him guidance and support.

“They say to raise a child, you need a nation or a village,” said Mohammad. “I think to raise a business, you also need a nation. You need customers; you need advisors like … the Cook County Source, Allies for Community Business.”

¿Hablas español?

Join The Source for our first Spanish Webinar Wednesday!

This October, The Source’s Webinar Wednesday program will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Missed one of our previous webinars in English? Visit our YouTube channel to get caught up!

Este octubre, únase al Cook County Small Business Source y al 36Squared Business Incubator para un seminario web en el que exploraremos el papel crucial que desempeña un sitio web en el éxito de su pequeña empresa.

Descubra cómo una presencia profesional en línea puede aumentar su credibilidad, atraer nuevos clientes e impulsar las ventas. 

Siga a Erika Gozalez, Directora de Programas de 36Squared, quien lo guiará a través de los pasos esenciales para crear un sitio web fácil de usar y visualmente atractivo. 

¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de potenciar tu negocio en la era digital!

30 de octubre de 2024

10:00 - 11:00 AM CT

Upcoming events

Latest news

Vote for The Source in the “People’s Choice Award” for the 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Awards

Out of 350 nominees, The Source has been selected as one of the Top 100 Finalists in the running for the 23rd annual Chicago Innovation Awards. The awards celebrate the most innovative new products and services throughout the Chicago region.



Love The Source? Vote for us in the “People’s Choice Award,” now through October 18.

Expertise in action – Celebrating the Berwyn Development Corporation

Here at The Source, we are proud to partner with our network of trusted Business Support Organizations (BSOs). When you work with a BSO, you are tapping into local experts in small business advising, often with the accolades to back it up!

Join us in celebrating the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), a BSO recently honored with two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council.

Helpful resources

Find a Source Partner on your block!

Wherever you are located, you can count on a trusted Source partner to be nearby, ready to help you navigate your small business needs by connecting you to resources, events, and

no-cost business advising.

Finding an organization that (literally) speaks your language is easier than ever. The Source is proud to collaborate with partners offering assistance in more than 16 languages spoken throughout the County. 

Are you a manufacturer? Sign up for the M3 Chicago Newsletter

Calling all small manufacturers in Cook County: Do you want to receive information on the latest manufacturing resources and grant programs, plus local industry updates? M3 Chicago - Metro, Manufacturing, Momentum - advances equitable and sustainable development by helping manufacturers expand, collaborate, network, innovate and access critical resources.