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As summer winds to a close and the weather starts to cool down a bit, renovations may be top of mind in your commercial space. Read on for our latest Source Spotlight feature on a small business owner receiving business advising to help pursue her dreams, capital resources to enhance your commercial property, details about an exciting new webinar series, and much more!

Source spotlight: Bolstering a beauty business from within

Meet Rebecca (Becky) Wilson, owner of the Chicago based business Riveting Wellness Cosmetic Solutions, offering not only traditional styling and cosmetic services but also holistic solutions to hair loss. 

Becky pivoted her salon business numerous times before arriving at her current model. In 2020, Becky noticed that many of her clients were suffering from stress induced hair loss. “I got frustrated with not having solutions for [my clients],” she shared.She decided then to dedicate herself and her business model to helping her clients heal “from the inside out.”

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Becky has relied on the support from her business advisor, Diane McDonald at the Chicago Urban League. As a result of this strong relationship, Becky was able to build a stable foundation for her business and has begun plans to expand her business further. Currently she works out of a private suite, which provides her the privacy needed to work with clients suffering from hair loss. But with the help of her business advisor Becky is working toward establishing a storefront. 

To learn more about Becky, her small business journey, and her business advising experience with the Chicago Urban League, visit our most recent Small Business Spotlight!

Featured event: September Webinar Wednesday



Join The Source, and one of our 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!

This September, join The Source and our Business Support Organization partners at the Chicago Urban League for “Developing your Business with AI” Are you ready to take your business to the next level with Artificial Intelligence? Tune in for a 60-minute interactive webinar designed to demystify AI and show you how to leverage it to grow your business. This session, hosted by Leslie Williams, Technology and Innovation Program Manager at the Chicago Urban League, will provide practical insights and actionable strategies tailored for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re new to the rapid developments in artificial intelligence or a ChatGPT-pro, this webinar will walk you through essential tips and tools you should know!

Empowering Your Business with AI: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs



Wednesday, September 25, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Save the date for our upcoming October Webinar Wednesday!

Join us October 30 for our first Spanish Webinar Wednesday “Crea tu página de Internet fácil para tu negocio” with 36 Squared.

The Source x Women’s Business Development Center

The Source and the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) have launched a new webinar series The Source x WBDC, that combines WBDC’s expertise and resources to provide small businesses with key information related to contracting with Cook County Government. Webinars will offer expert insights related to credit, marketing, grants and access to capital.  

A Beginner’s Bootcamp to Contracting with Cook County Government

Join The Source and WBDC to learn how to navigate Cook County Government’s procurement and contract compliance processes. Connect directly with expert business advisors and County personnel in this opportunity to enhance your business and prepare you for government contracting opportunities!

Every Tuesday throughout September from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Upcoming events

Funding opportunities

Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)

Offered by the City of Chicago to small businesses and property owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants provide funding for permanent building improvements and repairs. Program participants can receive grants to cover up to 90% of the cost of pre-approved remodeling costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid. Learn more here.

Good Food Fund Grant

Round 2 of the Good Food Fund Grant is now open! This program provides grants between $10,000 and $100,000 to eligible food and beverage industry entrepreneurs. Eligible businesses must be located in Chicago, hold a food and beverage business license (or apply for one), have filed a federal tax return in 2023, and have a business bank account. Grants will be prioritized based on a list of equitable criteria. This grant is administered by Source Business Support Organization partner Allies for Community Business. Find detailed criteria and apply: a4cb.org/grants

Berwyn Development Corporation Finish Line Grant

Are you located within Berwyn and seeking to renovate your building? You may be eligible for the Berwyn Development Corporation's Finish Line Grant. This program assists businesses and property owners with interior and exterior renovation costs. Funding will be calculated as a percentage of the total project cost and will be committed to businesses on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000. To learn more about eligible uses and locations, visit Berwyn.net. 

Tell us what you think!

Cook County seeks your input on the future of programs supported by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), federal legislation  that provided Cook County with a historic investment of $1 billion. Cook County used these funds to develop innovative programs and resources to address the most pertinent needs of the community at the time. This funding is set to be exhausted in 2026.

Ensure your voice is heard by completing the Community Voices Survey, or by attending an upcoming local town hall.