HAGA CLICK AQUÍ PARA VER LA VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

The Source Resources

Are you looking for information to help you start, manage and grow your small business? Look no further! The Cook County Small Business Source offers tools and resources available online 24/7 to help your business succeed at every stage. From marketing tips to financial management tools, take advantage of all the great resources and information your business needs to thrive.

Starting a business requires planning. Prepare for success in your new business journey and learn more about what you will need to get started.

From marketing, to financial and legal assistance, to hiring, training and more, get the help you need to support your small business operations.

Access key resources that can help you grow and improve your small business, from certification information to pricing strategy.

Small Business Spotlight

Founded in 2017 by siblings Juan and Nathalie Betancourt, Arepa George fuses the authentic taste of Colombian foods with a twist of gluten-free and vegan options. Prior to business advising, Arepa George depended on customers dining in or ordering take out. After receiving one-on-one advising from The Source program partner Allies for Community Business, Arepa George has expanded their services to offer catering and pop-up dining at local events. They now reach even more communities, sharing their Colombian food and culture across Cook County. By expanding their offerings, Arepa George is able to reach more communities and share its Colombian food and culture across the County.

Arepa George, Chicago, Illinois

Upcoming Events

Small Business Financing

Chicago Food Enterprise Loans

Are you an entrepreneur of color who is transforming Chicago's healthy food landscape? View Chicago Food Enterprise Loans that offer patient debt financing, low interest rates, and flexible capital to borrow here.

Self-Help’s Chicago Food Enterprise Loan

Has your small business suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Self-Help’s Pivot Loan is intended to help small businesses access the low-interest, flexible capital needed to pivot to better days. Find more information about the Pivot Loan here.

Somercor

SomerCor, another one of The Source’s partners, plays a critical role in filling the financing gap for businesses that face barriers to traditional loans and for those that want to preserve working capital. They facilitate an impactful range of financing options available for new and growing businesses in Illinois. It’s their role to help your small businesses navigate these options, to select the most advantageous financing product (or products), and to guide you through the entire process. Learn more about their financing opportunities here.

Take Our Small Business Poll!

What are you most interested in learning about? (select one)

Marketing

Financing Opportunities

Procurement

Financial Management/Accounting

Website: cookcountysmallbiz.org

Email: [email protected]