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.

Sales strategies in 2026 will blend marketing and sales approaches while seeking to improve the way AI is deployed.

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

Funding Opportunities for business from DCEO

Please follow the link below to view the 2025 EPD Annual Report. The report includes crime statistics, response-to-resistance data and analysis, initiatives, community engagement efforts, and more. HIghlights of 2025 include an 8% decrease in the number of Group A offenses from 2024 and a record low of 24 shots fired incidents compared to the previous year of 65 incidents which is a 63% decrease.

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.

Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders, similar to traditional first aid and CPR training. They learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and noncrisis situations, and where to turn for help.

The 2026 State of American Business brought together top business leaders to discuss the critical role of economic growth, expanding opportunities for all Americans, and the power of free enterprise to drive progress. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the event emphasized choosing a path that prioritizes innovation, higher living standards, and a thriving economy shaped by American consumers, businesses, and markets.

The Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) and Intuit, the maker of Quickbooks, have partnered to help small businesses in five states save energy and money by implementing energy efficiency upgrades so businesses can operate more sustainably.

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/

Payment Created by Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to Protect Customers

ComEd today announced that over $803 million will be returned to customers under the framework established in Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) enacted in 2021,

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!