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Discover the April issue of our newsletter, filled with essential marketing tips, resources, and tools for small businesses.

Small Business Impact Story

Ari Krzyzek with Chettha Saetia of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, a 2023 Source Grant Referral Partner. 

Finding support in the Women’s Business Development Center (a Source Business Support Organization) and the Small Business Development Center, Ari has not only been able to navigate her entrepreneurial journey, but is committed to mentoring other small business owners through consulting, webinars, and more. Her advice: “The value of having a supportive network of peers, mentors, and industry connections cannot be overstated. These relationships provide not just opportunities for growth and collaboration, but also essential support and guidance through the challenges of entrepreneurship.”

What tips does Ari have for new entrepreneurs looking to utilize marketing and tech? She recommends starting with some basics:

• Network: Join marketing and tech communities on platforms such as LinkedIn, or join local events for invaluable insights and connections.
• Practice: The best way to learn is by doing! Start with personal projects to get acquainted with marketing platforms and tools. 
• Stay Curious: Marketing is an ever-evolving field. Keep up with industry news and trends to stay relevant and keep strategies fresh.

Ready to master marketing? The Source is here to help! Sign up for free, one-on-one business advising with our network of expert business advisors, and take the steps to build a pathway for small business success today!

April's Webinar Wednesday

Master marketing with The Source!

This April, we are featuring events and resources to best prepare your small business to utilize marketing tactics for boosted sales and increased brand recognition. Don’t miss our April Webinar Wednesday event in partnership with our partner the Berwyn Development Corporation, plus discover additional resources from our partners below.

Join The Source and Patrick Greenacre, marketing manager from the Berwyn Development Corporation, for a marketing webinar that will walk you through the important process of telling your business story and how to properly build your small business brand. 

Learn How To: 

• Promote your brand
• Find the best places to advertise your product 
• Determine strategic times to reach your audience 
• And discover the best techniques to reach your customer 

We understand learning how to navigate marketing strategies can be a daunting task, and often getting started is the hardest part. But with a little direction on planning and storytelling, you can learn how to grow an audience that stays connected and engaged with your business.

This webinar is hosted by The Source & The Berwyn Development Corporation

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Upcoming Webinar Wednesdays:

Join The Source and one of our featured Business Support Organization (BSO) partners on the last Wednesday of each month for our Webinar Wednesday series, bringing you the resources and information you need for your small business to thrive!

Next Up in the Series!



Join us on May 29, 2024, for “Create A One Page Business Plan” with the Rogers Park Business Alliance.

Marketing Resources

Are you a small business owner looking to boost your marketing efforts and grow your brand? There’s a lot of information out there, so we've curated a collection of valuable marketing resources just for you!

Whether you're seeking guidance on social media marketing to SEO strategies, explore our handpicked selection of marketing resources to empower your business to thrive in the digital age and beyond.

Funding Opportunities



Advantage Illinois Loan Guarantee Program

The Advantage Illinois Loan Guarantee Program supports business applicants who are having difficulty gaining access to capital by using funds to guarantee a percentage of loans provided by partner lenders. Advantage Illinois accelerates investments and eases the credit crunch for small businesses, thanks to more than $78 million from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Find a list of participating lenders, FAQs and more here.

We Rise Together Grant

Are you a small business owner ready to expand into a brick-and-mortar storefront? The We Rise Together Grant, presented by We Rise Together, the Small Business Advocacy Council, and Allies for Community Business, supports qualified small business owners with up to $12,500 in operating grants to establish physical storefronts in Chicago’s south and westside neighborhoods. Visit wrtransform.org to review eligibility requirements and apply today.