Here is the biweekly (every other week) update on business resources & opportunities per the request of the Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group.

Groundbreaking ceremonies to mark the start of construction on two projects

news from Springfield

Hello and happy February! This month, we’re sharing our first Source Spotlight of 2026, details about this month’s Webinar Wednesday, and helpful events and resources to help grow your business. In the meantime, stay warm—and turn to The Source for any of your small business needs.

The Power of Story: Transforming Classrooms with Dr. Renteria’s Journey

New FinCEN Reporting Rule for Certain Residential Real Estate Transa

David Sam, the president of Bermuda College, is set to be recognised by his alma mater in April for his work in education.

The Central Community Unit School District 301 Board of Education has approved Dr. Amy MacCrindle as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, marking an important leadership transition for Central 301.

Clear guidelines and key dates announced for spring leaf and yard waste collection programs.

Opportunities for funding from DCEO

Small businesses across the Elgin area often launch with great energy but limited clarity about how to show up as a recognizable, trusted brand.

I hope you are staying warm and safe this winter. With the spring legislative session underway, I want to give you an update on initiatives I’m working on as well as important resources in our community.

As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission today unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.

DCEO Funding Opportunities

Business Funding through DCEO Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment

Happy New Year from The Source! As we jump into 2026, we are highlighting the first Webinar Wednesday of the year and resources curated to uplift your businesses. We also want to hear from you! Take our brief poll to share some of your goals for 2026.

Continuing its tradition of supporting local graduating students to further their education, the Elgin Area Chamber (EAC) and its economic development program, Elgin Development Group (EDG), are offering ten $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors residing in Elgin and South Elgin.

https://www.amundsendavislaw.com/labor-employment-law-update/vessas-expanded-recording-protections-what-illinois-employers-must-do-now.

Weekly Update: January 20, 2026

STAR Bonds Expanded Statewide Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds support economic growth by financing the development and revitalization of major tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects in STAR bond districts. The Statewide Innovation Development and Economy Act was recently expanded to extend the availability of STAR bonds to support municipalities in every region of the state by empowering them with additional financing options to meaningfully invest in capital projects that will attract visito

Tax deductions reduce your business’s taxable income, which can save you money on quarterly or yearly taxes. Here are 15 tax deductions your small business should know about.

Running a small business can be isolating, but collaboration can multiply strengths that would be hard to build alone.

The longtime Ride in Kane Program has transitioned to a new, countywide Coordinated Ride model—making it easier for riders to register, schedule trips and access transportation. The enhanced program features one system, one set of rules and the same travel destinations for all eligible residents across Kane County.

Braden Business Systems, a leading provider of business technology solutions, is proud to announce its new partnership with local hero and collegiate basketball guard Braden Smith as part of the company’s #TeamBraden campaign. The collaboration highlights shared values of reliability, excellence, and community commitment – core principles that both Braden Business Systems and Braden Smith exemplify in their work. Full press release: https://bradenonline.com/braden-smith-partnership/

Whether you're a local bakery, freelance consultant, or ecommerce store, one truth holds: word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools available.

K9 Resorts Secures Multi-Unit Agreement with Seasoned Chicagoland Entrepreneurial GroupFrom the Golden Arches to Luxury Dog Boarding, Multi-generation McDonald's Franchisees to Bring Eight K9 Resorts to Illinois

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

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.

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.

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.”

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

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

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading

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!