West Cook News

The Cook County Small Business Source (The Source) has launched a campaign to encourage business owners to sign up for its 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, recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo), is a Cook County Government-led initiative aimed at supporting small businesses through advising, resources, and events. The effort is supported by Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and Referral Partners.

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

Additionally, The Source announced its 2024 Referral Partners, including over 35 nonprofit organizations that will promote business advising and other resources for small businesses.

The Source matches business owners with advisors from BSOs who provide one-on-one expertise throughout the life cycle of their businesses. Advisors assist with developing business plans, accessing new customers, applying for grants and loans, assessing readiness for government contracting opportunities, and more.

Upon signing up for advising, businesses can expect contact 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, owner of Amour Salon Suites in Bronzeville, Chicago, praised the support received from the Chicago Urban League: “They have marketing [support] and free resources for business owners to take advantage of,” she said.

Amour Salon Suites was among 3,000 small businesses that received a 2023 Source Grant last December. Cook County distributed $50 million to support small business resiliency using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. NACo recognized this program with a 2024 achievement award.

Angel E. Diaz Alcantara of Frida Room restaurant in Pilsen also benefited from The Source's services: “I can call him whenever I need him; we have a great relationship,” he said about his advisor Uriel Mendez from the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Neda Sharp from the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council emphasized their readiness to assist: “Our doors are always open,” she said.

For more information or to view the complete list of 2024 Referral Partners and upcoming webinars co-hosted with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), visit The Source website’s News section or the WBDC website.

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