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This June, we're all about growth and financial empowerment! Dive into the inspiring story of a flourishing small business with support from The Source’s business advising program! Plus, mark your calendars for June 26th, when our webinar, 'Think Like a CFO: Business Financial Fundamentals,' will arm you with the tools you need to thrive financially. Let's build a brighter future together!

Beautiful Beginnings: A Dream Aided by Business Advising through The Source

Meet Louise Williams, owner of Beautiful Beginnings Daycare, an at-home daycare that’s been operating in the Chicagoland area for 10 years. A skilled caretaker who often goes above and beyond for her clients and their children, Louise offers daycare, food for children facing food insecurity, transportation for parents who can’t afford it, and more. Louise wanted to provide the essential service of daycare to her community but, like many small business owners, she faced the many complexities that come with starting and managing a small business. 

Thanks to the support she has received from her business advisor through The Source’s Business Advising Program, Louise’s dream has become a reality in the most spectacular ways. Now, after two years of meeting and working with her advisor, Tulio Juarez of the Greater Southwest Development Corporation, Louise has built a sound foundation for her business that will help her sustain–and soon expand–her business further in the near future.

Sign Up for Business Advising with The Source!

Ready to plant the seeds for small business success? Take advantage of free business advising through The Source and develop a one-on-one relationship with an advisor from our network of trusted Business Support Organizations today, learn more and sign up at cookcountysmallbiz.org/business-advising/.

June's Webinar Wednesday

Think Like a CFO: Business Financial Fundamentals

Are you looking to boost your business’s financial acumen? Join The Source and the Southland Development Authority for "Think Like a CFO: Business Financial Fundamentals." Led by Stanley M. Jackson, founder and managing partner at Jackson Melton LLC, this webinar will help you prepare for success in managing your small business finances. Concepts covered will include capital budgeting, wealth creation, enterprise valuation, and more!

This webinar is hosted by The Source & the Southland Development Authority

Think Like a CFO: Business Financial Fundamentals 

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

10:00 - 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 July 31 with Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau to learn how small businesses can benefit from the work local convention and visitors bureaus do to bring business and leisure visitors to Cook County.

Tips, Tricks, and Resources from The Source

Discover Funding Opportunities for Your Small Business!

Are you seeking financial support to grow your small business? Look no further! Visit The Source’s Financing webpage to explore a wide range of grant and loan opportunities tailored to entrepreneurs like you. Learn about eligibility criteria, application processes, and tips for maximizing your chances of success. Start your journey to business success today!

Funding Opportunities



Cook County BRITE Grant Program

The Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program helps select suburban Cook County small businesses identify their energy efficiency savings through free on-site assessments. The County will also award $6 million in grant funding to help companies to implement recommendations identified through these assessments, with a maximum award of $300,000 per applicant. For more information about the BRITE program and to review eligibility requirements, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/BRITE or email BRITE@cookcountyil.gov.

Cook County Minimum Wage Increase

Effective July 1, 2024, the minimum wage for tipped workers will increase to $8.40 an hour and the minimum wage for non-tipped workers will increase to $14.05 an hour under the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance. 

To learn more about this ordinance and how it may affect your small business in Cook County, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/commission-human-rights.