When you know where to look, help for your small business is there for the taking. Whether you're starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a small business loan or grant, CO— is here to help. Each w

On August 20, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court decided Chicago Title Land Trust Co. v. Watkin, 2025 IL App (1st) 241354 (August 20, 2025). At issue in Watkin was whether the expiration of the statute of limitations barring enforcement of a mortgage also extinguishes the mortgage lien. The First District determined that the mortgage lien is not automatically extinguished by the running of the related statute of limitations.

Here is the weekly update on funding opportunities per the request of the Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group.

Latinx Business Colectivo – Building Trust working group, has asked that we keep an update on the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program in these emails. - The application window for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program officially closed Monday, April 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The Department received an unprecedented number of submissions, and our team is now finalizing the merit review process. Due to the high volume of applications r

Let's make a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable families in our community. We're hosting a donation drive for the Well Child Center Pantry located in Elgin. Your support can truly ease some of the stress and financial burdens faced by those who need it most. The Well Child Center offers essential resources, and the pantry serves as a lifeline for many families struggling to make ends meet. You're directly contributing to the well-being of local infants. Together, we can build a stronger community.

The Elgin Area Chamber is pleased to host a Ribbon Cutting with the Downtown Neighborhood Association for the grand opening of Churros Y Chocolate, Inc. at 5:00pm on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 66 South Grove in Downtown Elgin. “We’re thrilled to welcome Churros Y Chocolate's expansion into downtown Elgin,” said Carol Gieske, president, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. “Join us as we cut the ribbon and celebrate this family-owned business during their open house celebration which will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.”

It’s hard to believe that the kids are back in school and the lazy days of summer are over. For our office, there was nothing lazy about it! We had a great group of interns who were eager to be out in the community connecting with people, sharing our office resources, and learning more about the issues that matter to you. It helps me as I weigh decisions about policies and legislation that affect our district. We knocked on over 3,600 doors and spoke to hundreds of people. It was a great achievement!

The Enhancing Elgin Committee of the Elgin Area Chamber's Elgin Development Group announces nominations are now open for the 2025 Elgin Image Awards. This prestigious program celebrates individuals, projects, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the Elgin community, helping to promote why Elgin is a great place to live, work, learn, do business, get involved, visit, and enjoy.

The curtain is rising on an exciting new season at the Hemmens Cultural Center, and it promises to be one of the best yet. From Grammy-winning mariachi performances and shadow-dance artistry to hilarious comedy and a tribute to Bruce Springsteen, the 2025-26 lineup offers something for everyone. Tickets are available now through the Hemmens box office

ELGIN - School District U-46’s Financial Services department was honored with an “Accent on Achievement” during the August 18 Board of Education meeting for its excellent work in presenting the district’s budget.

Brittain’s Express Oil and Lube, a trusted name in auto care since 1986, announced today that it has temporarily closed its shop for renovations. The closure is expected to last several weeks as the facility undergoes major updates to better serve its customers.

The city of Elgin has launched Engage Elgin, an online platform designed to make it easier than ever for residents to connect with city projects, share feedback and help shape Elgin’s future. The site serves as a central hub for information and participation, giving residents multiple ways to stay informed and get involved. In addition to surveys, open forums, voting opportunities, videos and interactive maps, the platform offers tools for residents to share feedback, exchange ideas and take part in decision-making.

The Village of South Elgin wants your input on housing needs, priorities, and preferences in the Community! We invite all who live or work in South Elgin to take part in the planning process by completing our Community Survey on Housing by September 12, 2025. It only takes 10 minutes of your time and it's available by visiting southelgin.com/HousingSurvey. And for respondents who prefer Spanish: southelgin.com/EncuestaComunitaria. Thank you! Printed paper copies of the survey (in English and Spanish) are also available

School District U-46 is inviting the community to submit nominations to help name the new middle school currently under construction in Elgin. The school is expected to be open to welcome sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students for the 2027-28 school year. Through September 19, students, parents, employees, alumni, and community members can submit name suggestions online. Nominations must follow Board Pol

Elgin continues to grow its community electric vehicle charging network, with new installations planned for high-traffic public destinations by the end of 2025. Since completing the EV Readiness Program in 2024 through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the city has installed four public chargers with eight ports at the Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex and the Centre of Elgin parking deck. Those chargers have logged nearly 2,000 connections this year.

Weekly Update - Funding Opportunities for Businesses from DCEO

The public is invited to share input on ways to improve street and sidewalk accessibility as part of the city of Elgin’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.

The Elgin Historic House Tour returns for its 43rd year, offering residents and visitors a rare chance to step inside some of the city’s most architecturally and historically significant homes.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

2025 National Black Business Month Toolkit Voices of Change: Elevating Black Businesses This August, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Black Business Month. Throughout the month, DCEO, through its office of Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), will be uplifting Black businesses and entrepreneurs across Illinois through a series of events and social media campaigns. Find information about events and resources below.

Jen’s son, James, was diagnosed with T1D in September 2021. Since then, he has been hospitalized multiple times for T1D and other illnesses worsened by his weakened immune system.

Two local organizations are teaming up once again to present a major celebration of Mexican culture. Organizers hope to build on the enthusiasm from last year’s event, when they expected 500 participants but nearly double that number showed up. A unique display, marketplace festival, and 5K will showcase the community’s diversity while raising funds to support the thousands of residents served by both School District U-46 and the Gail Borden Public Library District. We thank the City of Elgin for being a co-sponsor.

The Elgin Development Group (EDG), a Division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, has released its comprehensive 2025 Data @ A Glance informational booklet on the City of Elgin, the 6th most populous city in the State of Illinois. “As a very pro-business community and organization,” said Carol Gieske, President and CEO, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, “this information is critical to share as it serves as a valuable first path for Elgin businesses interested in expansion and for prospective businesses looking to ope

Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World

It might sound obvious, but effective business communication is a deal-breaker. No one knows that better than Sally Susman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Executive Vice President at Pfizer, the world's largest biopharmaceutical company. In Breaking Through, Susman leverages her experience at Pfizer, especially during the exceptionally difficult Covid-19 years, to help business leaders be more effective and persuasive communicators. This is no easy feat! Luckily, Susman is a master communicator and shows us how to

Honoring the President of Creative Personnel

This month, Creative Personnel proudly celebrates the 17-year anniversary of our founder and president, Cindy Cruz — a visionary leader who has dedicated nearly two decades to building opportunities, empowering individuals, and strengthening our communities through employment.

The Unsold Mindset: Redefining What it Means to Sell

Most of us dislike being sold to in a pushy, stereotypical way. I can see it coming from a mile away, and it irritates me to no end! Still, I realize persuasion is an important part of sales, and sometimes white lies, the hard sell, etc., will come into play. There’s no other way, right? With that in mind, I chose The Unsold Mindset as this month’s Business Book of the Month, and honestly, it changed the way I think about sales and salespeople.

June 16, 2025 – Braden Business Systems proudly announces that its proprietary IT operations platform, SmartOps, has been named a 2025 MSP Today Product of the Year Award winner by TMC. This prestigious award recognizes cutting-edge managed service solutions that empower organizations to enhance IT productivity, boost operational efficiency, and adapt to evolving technology demands.

No matter your lifestyle or life stage, TBK Bank is here to support your financial future. Reach your savings goals and access the everyday banking services you need at TBK Bank.

Refer friends and family for a new checking account and earn a $75 Mastercard Reward Card for each new account opened that meets the qualifying criteria, up to $500 per year.

Nine shows have been scheduled so far at The Hemmens Cultural Center as the 56-year-old Elgin venue moves into its full first season following the completion of its $14.4 million expansion and renovation.

Anna Holden, owner of Comfort Keepers Elgin, earned the Quest for Excellence Award for stellar in-home senior care. She helps loved ones thrive in their own homes.

Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking and Make It Happen!

Dream First, Details Later is the first book by Ellen Marie Bennet, founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, a company that makes kitchen gear and aprons worn by some of the best chefs in the world.

Call or Text: 833-743-7676 support@unitysolargroup.com www.unitysolargroup.com

Elgin has been named one of the best places to live in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, ranking No. 5 among cities in Illinois and earning the No. 122 spot nationally on the publication’s 2025-2026 list of the “250 Best Places to Live in the U.S.”

Flender is expanding and has open positions available for immediate employment, This is an excellent opportunity for job seekers interested in the mechanical engineering and industrial sectors

Police Chief Ana Lalley has been honored with the prestigious Axon Visionary Leadership Award—a national recognition for law enforcement leaders who are driving innovation and community-first policing

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

Leaders Eat Last is the second book by Simon Sinek, author, inspirational speaker, and business leadership expert. Following the success of his extremely popular TED Talk (“How Great Leaders Inspire Action”) and first book (Start with Why),

Five teachers, three administrators, and a coordinator for Elgin Area School District U-46’s homeless education program were recognized recently in the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual Those Who Excel program. In addition, a high school Career and Technical Education teacher was among the finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

“Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push—in just the right place—it can be tipped.”

At Dogtopia of South Elgin, we believe in the life-changing bond between dogs and people.

At Dogtopia of South Elgin, we believe in the life-changing bond between dogs and people. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Ram, a Golden Retriever currently in training at K9s for Warriors!

The Importance Of Children’s Dental Health

Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos 2024 Year-in-Review — 6,000 Groups Served, 3,600+ Five Star Reviews & 96% Customer Satisfaction!

Join them at The Hemmens Cultural Center for an incredible lineup featuring Gershwin, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Barber, Faure, and the legendary Beethoven’s 5th! And here’s the best part—subscribe now and get Beethoven’s 5th FREE!

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading provider of ground transportation

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading

Extension of the Elementary School Day For School District U-46

Scheduled to take effect for the 2025-26 school year. Starting on the first day of school, Aug. 11, 2025, all our elementary school days will be extended by a total of 20 minutes each day. This will result in the following shifts: Elementary schools that currently start at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 2 p.m. will instead start at 7:50 a.m. and dismiss at 2:10 p.m. Elementary schools that currently start at 8:30 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m. will instead start at 8:20 a.m. and dismiss at 2:40 p.m.

ComEd today announced that municipal and community organizations in northern Illinois can now apply for the 2025 Powering Communities Grant Program, which advances environmental initiatives; accelerates public safety and clean transportation projects; and increases access to arts programs in communities ComEd serves. Organizations are encouraged to apply for one of the three annual grant programs: Green Region, Powering Safe Communities, and Powering the Arts. Qualifying proposals are eligible for grants of up to $10,00

Price 4 Limo — America's Highest Rated Prom Limousine & Bus Provider — Gears Up For 2025 Prom Season.

Price 4 Limo is the 3rd most reviewed limo & motorcoach company in the United States out of over 200,000 total companies.

Price 4 Limo is very proud to have just served its 6,000th customer in 2024!

Peggy Heinrich, EdD, is appointed the ninth president of Elgin Community College

The Elgin Community College (ECC) Board of Trustees is proud to announce that it unanimously voted on December 19, 2024, to appoint Peggy Heinrich, EdD, as the ninth president of Elgin Community College.

December 11, 2024

In an exclusive event for the business community, Mayor David Kaptain celebrated Elgin's achievements while planting seeds for the future.

We mourn the loss of our Board member Dr. Rise' Jones who passed away unexpectedly this weekend. Rise' had been a dedicated Board member for three years, and we were thrilled that she had committed to another term starting January 1.

Starting a business is a thrilling endeavor

Starting a business is a thrilling endeavor that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Caregiving can be a lonely and difficult road to navigate.

Caregiving can be a lonely and difficult road to navigate. To continue the journey and not feel alone, there is help with tools and tips for those who need support to cope. The Atrium at Oak Crest is pleased to announce it will hold a monthly dementia caregiver support group on the second Tuesday of every month starting November 12, 2024 from noon to 1:00pm at 204 South State St. in Elgin.