Cook County Small Business Source Announces Over 30 Referral Partners for 2025
COOK COUNTY, IL — The Cook County Small Business Source announced today that over 30 referral partners have joined the program for 2025, including seven first-time partners.
Through Nov. 15, 2025 these nonprofit organizations will work to connect small businesses throughout the County with The Source, an award-winning program that offers access to business advising, resources and informative events at no cost to business owners.
“The Source has become a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs throughout the County looking to take their business to the next level,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Referral partners play a critical role in ensuring all business owners across the County have access to available resources while helping advance our commitment to equity by engaging diverse communities.”
Referral partners provide support in multiple languages and are nonprofit, business-facing organizations with a footprint in suburban Cook County. As representatives of the County, they ensure strong connections with small businesses across Cook and promote informative events, including The Source’s Webinar Wednesday, held on the last Wednesday of every month.
Referral partners connect businesses with The Source’s network, including 13 Business Support Organizations which provide no-cost advising tailored to each business’ needs. The Source has directly served over 31,000 businesses since 2021.
Advisors from Business Support Organizations provide businesses with guidance to develop business plans, access new customers, apply for grant and loan opportunities, assess readiness for government contracting opportunities and more.
Pursuit, a Chicago-based organization that provides access to low-interest loans and resources for small businesses, is a new referral partner for 2025.
“We’re excited to help Cook County entrepreneurs access the capital, expert guidance and hands-on advisory support they need to launch, grow and thrive,” said Alex Felton, vice president, senior business development officer at Pursuit. “This partnership allows us to connect more small business owners with loans and resources that turn big ideas into real opportunities.”
The Arab-American Business and Professional Association (ABPA), based in Palos Heights, is a returning referral partner.
“Returning as a Source referral partner is instrumental to our ability to provide in-depth support to Arab Americans who dream of starting or growing a business," said ABPA President Rush Darwish. "The unique services The Source offers our clients are invaluable, and we’re grateful for their partnership and the opportunities for success they bring to our community.”
A recent impact survey of 2024 Source clients showed that 70% of clients said their Business Support Organization advisors helped them create clear action plans, and 63% said their advisors met their unique needs. Additionally, 80% of clients said they would recommend The Source to other entrepreneurs.
A full list of 2025 referral partners is available at cookcountysmallbiz.org.
About the Cook County Small Business Source
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development created The Source in 2020 to support businesses in navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and the post-pandemic economy. To sign up for no-cost business advising or learn more about upcoming events, visit cookcountysmallbiz.org.
For more information, email info@cookcountysmallbiz.org.