Pretty Pokets leveraged free mentoring from SCORE to launch and grow its vegan-bag business — including a successful Kiva micro-loan round. Today the brand serves customers nationwide with stylish, practical bags. Read More Here…
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready helped a nutrition-consultancy founder grow her business via free coaching, peer networking and savvy digital-marketing tips. Read More Here.
The Women's Mentoring Co-Op pairs early-career women with established leaders across industries, fostering growth through mentorship, networking, and experiential learning in Chicago's innovation ecosystem.
Chicago, Illinois
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Chicagoland Chamber offers free one-on-one advising, workshops, and resources to help start or grow your business.
Illinois
This is a funding opportunity for a current recipient of an SBA SCORE award. In order to be eligible, you must be a current recipient of SBA funding to SCORE. For-profit businesses are not eligible for this award.
For more information, visit SBA.gov
National
The WBC program was founded to foster the growth of women-owned businesses by providing access to education, training, mentoring, business development and financing opportunities to women throughout the United States and its territories.
National
A Chicago‑based nonprofit that funds and supports organizations working to expand economic security, end violence, improve health access, and advance reproductive justice for women, girls, and gender‑expansive people.
For more information, visit CFW.org
Chicago, IL
Milestone Circles offers free virtual mentoring for Illinois women-owned businesses, connecting them with peers and mentors through a program backed by DCEO, Nasdaq, and Wells Fargo.
For more information, visit NasdaqCenter.org
National
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
