Hanover Park Community & Economic Development

09/01/2026

Are you ready to turn your passion for caring for children into a thriving business?

Whether you're planning to open a home daycare or launch a childcare center, this one-hour webinar will guide you through the essential steps to get started with confidence.

Session Overview:
Led by industry experts, this session will cover:
• Licensing and legal requirements
• Choosing the right location and setup
• Building a business plan and budget
• Marketing your services to families

You'll walk away with practical tools, resources, and inspiration to take the next step in your childcare journey. Perfect for aspiring providers and early-stage entrepreneurs!

Who Should Attend:
• Individuals interested in starting a home daycare
• Entrepreneurs planning to open a childcare center
• Caregivers and educators seeking guidance on launching a business

Program Details:
Every Second Tuesday of the Month - February 10 - December 8, 2026
12:00PM-1:00PM Via Zoom
REGISTER at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KEqbBV2-SNOH4GONU2bVag #/registration

08/31/2026

Join the Bartlett Area Chamber's Women in Business for this stretch and mobility class, networking, plus yummy treats!

WHEN: Thursday, September 3 @ 10:15–11:45 AM

WHERE: 180 Red Fit, 1081 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett

Register at https://business.bartlettareachamber.com/events/details/women-in-business-4253
Take a break from the busy workday and join us for Women in Business: Stretch & Connect! Start your morning with a 30-minute stretch and mobility class designed to help you move, recharge, and reset—then stick around to connect and network with other local businesswomen.

Plus: Enjoy Elevate electrolyte shots and delicious acai bowls!

$15 for Chamber Members | $20 for Non-Members
Come stretch, connect, and build relationships with women in our business community. We’d love to see you there.

08/28/2026

Employers - Elgin Community College invites you to participate in Elgin Community College’s Job Fair!

WHEN: Tuesday, October 20th from 9:00am - 12:00pm

WHERE: 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H, Elgin IL

CONTACT: 847-697-1000 or email [email protected]

This is a great opportunity to connect directly with talented, motivated job seekers from the community and build your future workforce. By participating, you can meet qualified candidates, promote your organization and open positions, expand your talent pipeline, increase brand awareness, and network with other employers and community partners—all while supporting local workforce development. Don’t miss the chance to find your next great employee and make valuable connections! Join us at ECC’s Job Fair and discover the talent waiting to connect with your organization.

To participate, the first step is to fill out the ECC Job Fair Employer Interest Form. Click on the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4-DPIjupXziitErrVDJ-tDLyE-7lQfm85y63d_77jV51O4A/viewform

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08/26/2026

DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANACE for IMPACTED BUSINESSES AVAILABLE NOW: Apply by September 8

If your business was damaged in the June 11, 2026 severe storms and tornadoes in Cook County, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help. The SBA has approved a disaster declaration, opening access to low-interest loans to cover damages insurance didn't cover.

Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace buildings, equipment, inventory and other business assets. Interest rates start at 4%, with repayment terms up to 30 years. Businesses won't make any payments for the first 12 months after receiving their loan.

Applicants can also get up to 20% more to make their business more storm-resistant, such as installing wind-rated doors or reinforcing their structure. Having insurance doesn't disqualify anyone from applying, and applying for a loan doesn't mean a business has to take it. Businesses that had no physical damage but lost income can apply for economic injury assistance too.

The deadline to apply for physical damage to your business is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Businesses applying under the economic injury deadline have until April 12, 2027.

Resources are also available for Cook County businesses and residents impacted by the July 27, 2026 severe storms. Don’t wait to see if you qualify; learn more and apply at sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955

Explore SBA’s low‑interest disaster loans designed to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations recover from declared disasters. Repair existing damage, reduce future risks, or get help with financial obligations when essential employees are called to...

08/21/2026

CLEANING out your office and getting new supplies? Before unwanted materials are tossed aside, consider whether they could be useful to someone else.
SCARCE helps businesses keep valuable resources out of landfills through programs like electronic recycling events.
From office cleanouts to surplus materials, SCARCE offers a local option for businesses looking to donate responsibly.
Learn more about SCARCE: https://www.scarce.org/

Before unwanted materials are tossed aside, consider whether they could be useful to someone else.

SCARCE helps businesses keep valuable resources out of landfills through programs like electronic recycling events.

From office cleanouts to surplus materials, SCARCE offers a local option for businesses looking to donate responsibly.

Learn more about SCARCE: https://www.scarce.org/

08/18/2026

Ready to turn your business idea into reality?
Join the WBDC for the Road to Success Bootcamp — a comprehensive 4-week program designed specifically for emerging and pre-venture entrepreneurs who are ready to build a strong foundation for success! All Illinois entrepreneurs are welcome to participate!
📅 Every Tuesday | September 8 - 29, 2026 ⏰ 9:00AM - 11:00 AM CST 💻 Virtual via Zoom
What You'll Master in 4 Weeks:
✅ Week 1: The Proper Mindset & Preparation
✅ Week 2: Developing Your Business Plan
✅ Week 3: Capital Readiness for Start-Ups
✅ Week 4: Legal Consult & Working Session
Program Requirements: Complete all 4 sessions + 1 advising session + follow-up survey = Graduate status & invitation to our Level 2 Road to Success cohort!
This is more than a bootcamp — it's your roadmap to entrepreneurial success. Whether you're in the ideation stage or ready to launch, this program will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move forward.
Spots are limited! Register before September 7: bit.ly/R2SBootcampF26
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ready to turn your business idea into reality?

Join us for the Road to Success Bootcamp — a comprehensive 4-week program designed specifically for emerging and pre-venture entrepreneurs who are ready to build a strong foundation for success! All Illinois entrepreneurs are welcome to participate!

📅 Every Tuesday | September 8 - 29, 2026 ⏰ 9:00AM - 11:00 AM CST 💻 Virtual via Zoom

What You'll Master in 4 Weeks:
✅ Week 1: The Proper Mindset & Preparation
✅ Week 2: Developing Your Business Plan
✅ Week 3: Capital Readiness for Start-Ups
✅ Week 4: Legal Consult & Working Session

Program Requirements: Complete all 4 sessions + 1 advising session + follow-up survey = Graduate status & invitation to our Level 2 Road to Success cohort!

This is more than a bootcamp — it's your roadmap to entrepreneurial success. Whether you're in the ideation stage or ready to launch, this program will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move forward.

Spots are limited! Register before September 7: bit.ly/R2SBootcampF26

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

08/17/2026

Looking for FREE small business events happening this week? Scroll through to discover upcoming events from The Source's vast network of business support partners, or visit cookcountysmallbiz.org/events to discover and register for additional upcoming events.

08/11/2026

THIS SATURDAY! Join the fun at the Summer Soiree at Ontarioville Park from 5:30-10pm. Food trucks, beer and wine tents, and two great bands: Petty Union @ 6-7:45pm (a Tom Petty tribute band) and The Country Night @ 8:30-10pm (playing today's country hits and classics). Don't miss the laser light show at the end of the night! FREE parking in the Metra lot. See ya'll there!

08/10/2026

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, 20fy.ai, and the Cook County Source for an action-oriented session on online customer engagement and how independent restaurants can turn customer feedback into business growth.
Walk away with proven strategies to manage online reviews, monitor social media conversations, spot operational opportunities, and grow your business without adding to your workload.
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 10:00AM
Register:https://us06web.zoom.us/.../WN_kmYIfp_6TjOiFIyKQIg5CA...

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, 20fy.ai, and the Cook County Source for an action-oriented session on online customer engagement and how independent restaurants can turn customer feedback into business growth.

Walk away with proven strategies to manage online reviews, monitor social media conversations, spot operational opportunities, and grow your business without adding to your workload.

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 10:00AM

Register:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kmYIfp_6TjOiFIyKQIg5CA #/registration