Cook County Small Business Source Announces Business Advising Campaign, Amplified by Over 35 Referral Partners

Thu, 08/29/2024 - 12:00

(COOK COUNTY, IL) –The award-winning Cook County Small Business Source (The Source) has launched a campaign encouraging business owners to sign up for the program’s no-cost business advising services.

“Cook County’s Small Business Source program has proven to be a valuable resource for small business owners of any kind,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “A major part of that success has been connecting businesses with our no-cost advising program, which is tailored to their needs. Running a small business is hard. We’re here to help.”

The Source, which has been honored by the National Association of Counties (NACo), is a Cook County Government-led program focused on elevating small businesses throughout the County through no-cost advising, resources and events. Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and Referral Partners support this effort.

A network of 11 BSOs provides the advising services, and The Source recently produced a video to demystify business advising, highlight its benefits and share how easy it is for a business to sign up.

In addition, The Source proudly announces the selection of its 2024 Referral Partners, which include over 35 nonprofit business-facing organizations that will actively promote business advising and other available resources for small businesses

The Source matches business owners with an advisor from a BSO who provides one-on-one expertise and is dedicated to working with business owners throughout the life cycle of their business.

Advisors meet businesses where they are and will provide support to develop business plans, access new customers, apply for grant and loan opportunities, assess readiness for government contracting opportunities, and more.

Upon signing up for advising, businesses can expect to hear from an advisor within 2-3 business days.

The BSOs are:

Allies for Community Business
Berwyn Development Corporation
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Chicago Urban League
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Restaurant Association
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Southland Development Authority
36 Squared
Women’s Business Development Center

Since 2020, over 7,000 businesses have received advising through The Source, with over 14,000 advising sessions held.

Sherry Spellers, who owns Amour Salon Suites in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago, said the Chicago Urban League has been “heaven sent for me.”

“They have marketing [support] and free resources for business owners to take advantage of,” said Spellers, “and I have done that over the years.”

Amour Salon Suites was one of 3,000 small businesses that received a 2023 Source Grant last December. Cook County distributed $50 million to support small business resiliency. Cook County funded the 2023 Source Grant program with funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, and the National Association of Counties recognized the program with a 2024 achievement award.

Many other business owners have taken advantage of advising.

Angel E. Diaz Alcantara, owner of Frida Room, a restaurant that opened its first location in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago and has now expanded, works closely with Uriel Mendez, of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“I can call him whenever I need him; we have a great relationship,” Alcantara said. “He always lends me a hand and has been closely involved in the build-out of our new location [in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago].”

Neda Sharp, of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, emphasized that she and other advisors are prepared to help small business owners at any time.

“Our doors are always open,” Sharp said. “We are ready and willing to assist organizations at no cost to them.”

2024 Referral Partners Announced

The Source will work with over 35 Referral Partners this year, including nine new partners.

Referral Partners play a critical role connecting businesses to The Source’s no-cost advising services, calendar of events and other resources.

The Partners reflect the diversity of the County’s small business base and include organizations with specific expertise in clean energy, such as Elevate, or those that serve a specific geography or community, such as the Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce.

The Arab-American Business and Professional Association (ABPA), based in Palos Heights, is a returning Referral Partner.

Rush Darwish, ABPA president, said partnering with The Source has provided valuable support to businesses of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) descent.

“This partnership has enabled our organization to connect with MENA small businesses, providing them with information on grant opportunities, guidance and resources crucial for their success,” Darwish said. “Entering our second year as a Referral Partner, our commitment is to further empower MENA business owners by expanding services and closely monitoring their progress on the path to success."

To view the complete list of 2024 Referral Partners, visit The Source website’s News section.

Webinar Series Underway

The Source has launched a new webinar series with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) titled “The Source x WBDC” that runs through mid-December.

The webinars provide small businesses insights on topics such as government contracting, credit, marketing, grants and access to capital.

For more information, visit The Source website’s News section or the WBDC website.

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About the Cook County Small Business Source

The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development created The Source in 2020 to support businesses in navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and the post-pandemic economy. To sign up for no-cost business advising today or learn more about upcoming events, visit The Source website at cookcountysmallbiz.org.

For more information, email info@cookcountysmallbiz.org.