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This July, embrace the summer sun and fun with The Source! We're spotlighting all things travel: from a standout Source small business making waves in the travel accessory industry, to resources on connecting with Cook County convention and visitors bureaus in your backyard. Read on to discover how The Source is here to set you up for success!

Empowering women on the go: Ms. Jetsetter

Tracey McGhee built her business, Ms. Jetsetter, around a known frustration for many women while traveling: staying organized. As she notes: “I know how frustrating it is to spend hours unraveling tangled necklaces after a long trip and how unorganized makeup and toiletries can make you feel when on the go.” With limited options for stylish, functional, and well-made travel accessories, Tracey knew she could create a better solution. 

To make her vision a reality, Tracey connected with small business advisor Anita Hagan of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, a Source Business Support Organization (BSO). With Anita’s support, Tracey has secured a contract with Walgreens, acquired two certifications, and was awarded the CMSDC Supplier of the Year Award in 2022. To learn more about Tracey and how she has reached these heights through business advising, read our latest Small Business Spotlight!

Business advising with The Source

Learn more about business advising with The Source in our brief video!

July's Webinar Wednesday



How Your Local Convention and Visitors Bureau Can Help Your Small Business

Join The Source for our July Webinar Wednesday and learn more about your local Cook County Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs). CVBs promote the thousands of businesses such as restaurants, shops, personal services, and more that serve leisure and business travelers alike. Discover how connecting with CVBs can help grow your business and learn more about Cook County's network of CVB’s.

This webinar is hosted by The Source & Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau

How Your Local Convention and Visitors Bureau Can Help Your

Small Business



Wednesday, July 31, 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 August 28 with the Greater Southwest Development Corporation to learn about the Small Business Investment Fund (SBIF), and how City of Chicago small businesses can benefit from the grant program.

Cook County Tourism Alive

Tourism Alive is a program supported by Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development to help strengthen the suburban travel, tourism, and hospitality industries and build further resiliency. Working with the five suburban convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), Tourism Alive has developed four countywide initiatives, including Outside Chicago, a marketing campaign designed to raise awareness of the many amazing natural, recreational, and outdoor assets in the County.

The Source and beyond: Discover our Referral Partner network

The Source proudly partners with over 40+ organizations throughout Cook County to create our Referral Partner network. These community organizations directly connect The Source to the small business community, helping us bring necessary resources to small businesses throughout the entire County. One of our partners is the Arab-American Business and Professional Association (ABPA), which empowers the Arab American, Middle Eastern, and North African (MENA) community in Illinois with essential resources for business success. We connected with ABPA President Rush Darwish to learn more about ABPA:

How has ABPA’s partnership with The Source impacted your work? 

Rush: “The Source was not only impactful, but in a sense it was historical, since it is the first time ever our MENA community had an entity from Cook County reach out to make sure that we are included in an initiative that economically empowers small businesses. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with The Source by expanding our outreach efforts and connecting with more Arab owned businesses to participate and be engaged.” 

ABPA has also partnered with Tourism Alive and the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau; how do you see this partnership benefiting ABPA’s business members?

Rush: “We are beyond excited to collaborate on future initiatives specifically with welcoming tourists to our business and cultural region in Cook County’s southwest suburbs, affectionately known as Little Palestine.”

For you, what makes the Little Palestine business and cultural region special?

Rush: "Simply put, if you want a taste of the Middle East, look no further than Little Palestine. Little Palestine has a lot to offer for visitors. Most notably, Little Palestine has the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the nation.”

Did you know Cook County is home to one of the largest Palestinian populations in the U.S.? Centered in the southwestern suburb of Bridgeview, "Little Palestine" is a vibrant area that features standout business members of the ABPA community.

The Source is excited to announce a dynamic partnership with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) to provide small businesses with essential information to navigate key topics via engaging and comprehensive webinars. Discover the ins and outs of contracting with Cook County Government, in addition to topics such as credit, marketing, grants, and access to capital.



Save the date for some of our upcoming events designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive landscape!

KIVA Storytelling and Marketing Tricks



Discover how you can leverage the Kiva crowdfunding platform to fuel your dreams, whether you’re starting a business or pursuing a personal project. We’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the various ways you can utilize Kiva.

Wednesday, July 31, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Know Before You Apply for Women and Minority Certifications



Interested in certifications for women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, or other diverse businesses? Join our virtual workshop to learn about the benefits and process of obtaining these certifications and how they can expand your business opportunities.



Thursday, August 8, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Funding opportunities

Smart Start Workforce Grants

The Smart Start Workforce Grants offer child care programs stable, ongoing funds that they need to cover costs and invest in quality staff without burdening families by raising tuition or Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) co-pays. Eligible programs receive consistent funding in advance, and funds will cover the cost of higher wages and operating a classroom. Applications are open through July 31st.