FoodLab Chicago 7.0 is a free program for Black and Brown food entrepreneurs in Chicago (12–18+ months in business). It offers weekly training in finance, marketing, and operations. Limited seats—apply early.
Apply by April 17, 2026
Chicago
Equity financing can be a powerful tool for growing business, but it's not always the right fit. So when does it make sense? Listen to Kirsten Olsen, Managing Director, Head of PWM Private Capital talk about considerations for when equity financing makes sense for your business.
A searchable directory to find your local chamber of commerce by state, city, or territory, helping businesses connect with their nearest chamber.
National
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready empowered one coffee entrepreneur with a $10K grant and financial mastery courses—he hired a CPA, upgraded branding and scaled his business nationwide. Learn More Here.
A strong moves management approach transforms fundraising by streamlining development efforts, aligning strategies, and maximizing staff time. It centralizes relationship-building activities to elevate long-term, transformational impact over short-term, transactional giving. Moves management focuses on planning, recording, and reporting key moments in donor relationships to deepen engagement and strengthen philanthropic…
Hear from Kirsten Olsen, Managing Director and Head of PWM Private Capital, as she explores the critical trade-offs between taking on debt versus raising equity. In her discussion, Kirsten highlights how each approach impacts ownership structure, financial flexibility, and long-term growth.
Business Money IQ on First Women’s Bank’s Resource Center offers practical financial education, including video demos and advice to boost your business acumen and confidence.
National
Money IQ is FWB’s financial literacy hub — offering interactive tools, articles, and resources to help you build your financial knowledge, confidence, and money management skills.
National
The TransUnion Blog delivers timely articles on credit, identity protection, debt-management and personal finance — empowering readers to take control of their financial lives.
National
The Polsky Small Business Financial Fundamentals program helps Chicago businesses access capital through financial training, analysis, mentorship, and a funding-ready financial report.
Chicago, Illinois
The Fundamentals of Capital masterclass helps women entrepreneurs understand capital structures, funding options, and investor pitching to scale their businesses.
National
SBA financial guide: track assets and liabilities, analyze costs, keep accurate records, and use resources to make informed decisions and grow your small business.
For more information, visit SBA.gov
National
Business Consortium Fund’s offers free webinars, workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help business owners prepare financing, understand key ratios, manage cash flow, and navigate supplier programs.
National
In Fast Company, First Women’s Bank CEO Marianne Markowitz shares how the women-founded, women-led bank was built to close the gender lending gap and advance the women’s economy.
Greenwood Archer Capital provides $10K–$500K loans to small businesses in historically disinvested communities, offering flexible capital to support growth, stability, and long-term success.
Illinois
New Covenant Community Development Corporation (NCCDC) empowers entrepreneurs through accessible financial education, one-on-one coaching, and practical workshops covering business credit, cash flow, and more.
Online
Fidelity’s Advantage 401(k) provides small businesses an affordable, easy-to-manage 401(k) plan with transparent pricing and streamlined setup.
National
Elevate by Principal is a digital platform that provides self-serve access to expense savings through name brand suppliers as well as one-on-one support to achieve additional savings through a tailored spend review.
For more information, visit ElevateByPrincipal.com
National
Allies for Community Business offers term loans and lines of credit between $500 and $100,000 to early, emerging, and established businesses in Illinois and Indiana.
For more information, visit a4cb.org
Located in Chicago, but serving all of Illinois and Indiana
EDLI (Entrepreneurial Development and Leadership Institute) is a Chicago‑based nonprofit that builds an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping Black, Latino, and women business owners grow, prepare for funding, and connect with tailored resources and support.
For more information, visit Edli.org
Chicago, IL
The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), formerly known as Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Through targeted programs, resources, and outreach and promotional activities, OE3 aims to create an inclusive and strong business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. This investment spurs local economic development in underserved areas resulting in a revitalized and thriving Illinois economy.
For more information, visit dceo.Illinois.gov
statewide in Illinois
