Here is the biweekly (every other week) update on business resources & opportunities per the request of the Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group. **In the future, to help differentiate between resources I have sent previously and ‘new ones’ (resources I haven’t emailed about) I will highlight the new ones in yellow. Hope that helps.**

The award-winning Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) is inviting the community to attend a thought-provoking free, live performance entitled “FEAR” on Wednesday, April 8, at 6:30 pm at Elgin Community College’s Spartan Theatre. The production, an original written by playwright and retired Kane County Judge Wiley Edmonson, is a reader’s theatre performance presented by Leadership Academy Alumnae.

A practical guide to maximizing savings for your small business under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes substantial tax reforms to support the growth of small businesses. Small business owners can take advantage of these tax breaks starting now for expenses dating back to January 20, 2025. This guide outlines the most impactful provisions of the law, including permanent deductions, enhanced credits, and expanded eligibility criteria. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help business owners navigate the changes and optimize their tax strategies. Downlo

Do you know a filmmaker, or are you one yourself? If you have a story to tell, we want to see it! The Hemmens is thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for the 18th annual Elgin Short Film Festival (ESFF), returning Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. This highly anticipated event brings together filmmakers and film lovers for an unforgettable evening of short films and a premiere-style red carpet experience. The ESFF is currently accepting short films of 20 minutes or less, including credits. All genres are welcom

Poor collaboration is the most underestimated drag on business performance.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Additional Dollars Added to the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program NOFO and Deadline Extended!

When your pet is in distress, the hardest part is not knowing how serious it is

When your pet is in distress, the hardest part is not knowing how serious it is, and in those moments, where you go can change everything. What may seem minor can escalate quickly, and choosing a hospital equipped to handle conditions that require a deeper level of care, can mean faster answers, fewer delays, and seamless access to advanced care without the stress of a transfer. At Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists – Hoffman Estates, our 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care team, work side by side with specialists under one r

At Dogtopia of South Elgin, we believe in the life-changing bond between dogs and people. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Chester.

ELGIN - School District U-46 is inviting families, employees, and community members to take part in a historic milestone by helping name a new athletic stadium at Larkin High School. The stadium, currently under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2026, will feature a turf field, a running track, and seating for more than 2,000 spectators.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jimmy Clayton will become the new President and CEO of the Chamber on April 1, 2026. Clayton was selected by the Chamber’s Search Committee and unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

http://www.dessertswithoutregrets.com

http://www.stmcentral.org

Join The Literacy Connection for our second annual Poetry & Literacy Festival sponsored by the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation!! This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 25th from 3pm – 7:30pm at Elgin Community College. It will feature workshops, a guest speaker, and an Open Mic and Poetry Slam Competition. All are invited to celebrate National Poetry Month while also helping raise important funds for adult literacy in our community.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit is returning to the Grand Victoria Casino for a multi-day event in April 2026. This stop is a regular fixture on the WSOP Circuit, typically featuring 18 gold ring events and a marquee Main Event. The Caesar’s casino, located in downtown Elgin, will host the tournament from April 2 through April 13, welcoming those 21 and up to participate in the event. https://www.caesars.com/grand-victoria-casino/casino/promotions/wsop-circuit-event

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Breaking News: Additional Dollars Added to the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program NOFO and Deadline Extended!

Saint Joseph Hospital - Elgin, a member of Prime Healthcare, has earned the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians. This accreditation means older adults in our community will experience safer, more compassionate emergency care, including: ✔️Fewer unnecessary catheters, lowering infection risks. ✔️Reduced use of restraints and greater comfort measures. ✔️Staff specially trained in geriatric care, dementia, delirium, and fall prevention. ✔️Equipment and pro

Challenges are inevitable, but navigating them alone doesn't have to be. At The Source, we are delivering the latest insights, advocacy and resources you need to scale directly to your inbox. From transparent lending and tax strategies to exclusive cohorts for construction, food and retail, we’re here to help fuel your momentum.

Patricia M. Szpekowski, APR, president of PR Strategies & Communications, Inc./PmS advertising, inc. in Elgin, has received recognition from the Illinois Woman’s Press Association (IWPA), an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), in its recent 2026 communications contest. Szpekowski was awarded 8 recognitions for all 8 diverse stories submitted for judging to the IWPA. She has been a member of both organizations since 1995.

bit.ly/ecc_continuing _ed_survey

Grant Opportunities

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is pleased to invite you to an informational webinar on the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, scheduled for 3:00 PM on March 19. This session is designed for economic development organizations, local governments, regional planning agencies, chambers of commerce, and other professionals engaged in community and economic development across Illinois.

The Elgin City Council agreed Wednesday to continue its partnership with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development services for the city.

Groundbreaking ceremonies to mark the start of construction on two projects

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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),

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!