Happy April! Explore this month’s e-Newsletter to discover the insights, advocacy and resources you need to grow your business. From financial fundamentals to exciting events, we’re proud to support your business’s next steps. |
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Celebrating Financial Literacy Month |
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You’ve got a great business idea, but do you have the resources to help your dreams come to reality? April is Financial Literacy Month, and for many entrepreneurs, a reminder that financial literacy is the best foundation to help you make sound business decisions today and position your business for future success tomorrow.
Financial Foundations: Tips from The Source
What is a line of credit? Imagine having a financial safety net that you can dip into whenever you need a little extra cash, without having to apply for a new loan every time. That’s exactly what a line of credit offers. It’s like a reusable bucket of money: borrow what you need, pay it back and borrow again as needed. Many businesses use lines of credit for things like buying supplies, paying employees or fixing equipment. You just pay back the amount you used, plus a little interest. Simple and flexible! |
Business Advising - A step up the financial literacy ladder |
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At The Source, we have developed our no-cost business advising program to help small businesses at every stage of development master their financials. From bookkeeping basics to mapping new investments in employees, equipment and inventory, our network of expert business advisors will meet with you one-on-one to understand your needs, connect you with trusted capital partners and navigate every step in between. |
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Small Business Advocacy Share Your Voice: Chicagoland Small Business Survey |
Help shape the future of small business in Chicagoland by participating in a regional survey led by Next Street, The Source and additional stakeholders to help improve access to capital and business support services. Your confidential responses will directly inform strategies to build a more equitable economy.
Click here to complete the brief 15-20 minute survey by Friday, April 24, for a chance to win one of five $50 gift cards. |
The Source, elected officials and coalition members recently visited Springfield to urge lawmakers to pass the Small Business Financing Transparency Act, HB744 HA #1, also known as APR for All. The policy would require non-bank lenders to disclose annual percentage rates (APRs) to small business borrowers in Illinois.
With transparency, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions, protect their employees and keep wealth here in Illinois. Visit aprforall.com to learn more |
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Join The Source, 36Squared Business Incubator and Soft Girl Socials for April's Webinar Wednesday, taking you from zero to posted: designing your first week of social media content.
This beginner-friendly, hands-on webinar is designed to help business owners who feel overwhelmed by social media understand exactly what to post. The session focuses on simplicity, clarity and confidence. By the end of the webinar, attendees will have their first full week of social media content planned and understand how to repeat the process on their own. |
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| Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
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Berwyn Shops celebrates its fifth season this May |
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The fifth season of Berwyn Shops, a unique business incubator hosted by the Berwyn Development Corporation, a Source Business Support Organization, opens Friday, May 1, 2026. Participating entrepreneurs drawn from all over Cook County curate dynamic micro-storefronts in this Berwyn shopping destination. Business owners also receive tailored advising throughout their tenancy, helping to prepare them to run a successful storefront after the program ends.
The Source is proud to be a sustaining sponsor and partner of Berwyn Shops. We invite you to stop by to support your fellow small business owners this season! With 12 businesses participating, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The shops are hosted at 6931 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, IL, and are open Friday-Sunday through December 2026. For more information, call 708-788-8100 or email homegrown@berwyn.net, plus follow along for the latest updates and happenings on Berwyn Shops' official Instagram and Facebook. |
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Small Business Opportunities Meet the Experts: Connect with Restaurant and Hospitality Expert |
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Restaurant and hospitality operators are invited to connect one-on-one with some of the biggest restaurateurs in the business, plus experts in HR, public relations, law, accounting, licensing, insurance and more at the Illinois Restaurant Association's 2026 Meet the Experts.
Enjoy food and beverage sampling while enjoying the opportunity to ask questions, get advice and exchange business information. Vendors and service providers are welcome to attend, but will not be meeting one-on-one with experts as that is exclusive to restaurant operators.
Register today at no cost, click here to sign up. |
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nextDIGITAL: AI & Tech Essentials for Entrepreneurs |
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Ready to level up your business with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools? Join the Chicago Urban League for nextDIGITAL, a no-cost 10-week virtual training designed to help entrepreneurs understand AI and key digital marketing strategies that they can utilize to enhance their businesses. Spring classes begin Tuesday, April 21, and will be conducted virtually each Tuesday evening through June 23, 2026.
Stay ahead of the curve and learn about the latest trends in business technology. Click here to register at no cost and take your tech skills to the next level! |
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If your business was impacted by the August 16–19, 2025, storms and flooding in Cook County, recovery assistance is now available. The U.S. Small Business Administration has officially approved a disaster declaration, making low-interest disaster loans available to help cover damages not paid for by insurance.
Who can apply: Homeowners and renters (repairs, personal property losses) Businesses and certain nonprofits (physical damage and economic losses)
Loan amounts: Up to $500,000 for home repairs Up to $100,000 for personal property Up to $2 million for businesses
Deadlines: Physical damage: May 15, 2026 Economic injury (businesses): December 16, 2026
Don't wait; apply now! Visit sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 for more information. |
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