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DCEO biweekly update on business resources & opportunities of the Latinx Business Colectivo

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DCEO biweekly update on business resources & opportunities of the Latinx Business Colectivo

Small Business Finance Economic Development Government programs and resources Funding & Grants

Hello everyone!

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.**


THANK YOU- To

  • Laura Garcia Escarzaga from Greenwood Archer Capital 
  • Those who have previously sent resources that are still listed given they are not expired. 

 

If anyone else knows of resources that can be shared with the group, feel free to share those with me.


Business Cohort/Training Programs

 

  • Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center - Milestone Circles
    • Description: “Milestone Circles is the signature 12-week program helping U.S.-based founders build, scale, and lead with purpose. Our community provides a dedicated space to learn alongside like-minded entrepreneurs across America who share your passion for building something greater than themselves.”
    • Geographic Coverage: Nationwide
    • Cost: Free, “Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation”

  • Juntos Emprendemos
    • Description: "Juntos Emprendemos" es un programa de 10 semanas sin costo para los participantes, diseñado para emprendedores que ya han desarrollado una idea de negocio sólida y están listos para llevar su emprendimiento al siguiente nivel.” Spanish cohort for those who have an idea to start a business or want to grow their business. Flyer attached. Starts March 18, 2026. 
    • Geographic Coverage: online program
    • Cost: Free


  • Empower Program
    • “The Empower Program is a multi-state small business development program designed to help growth-stage entrepreneurs and firms strengthen operational capacity and readiness for government contracting and next-phase opportunities.” Led by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Open to “Small business owners and entrepreneurs who operate in an eligible state”. Illinois is one of the states included. 
    • Cost: Doesn’t appear to be a cost.

  • Business Academy: 3 Core Courses for Entrepreneurs
    • Description: “The Business Academy is a free training series delivered in partnership with GSDC, CIO, and GRCC to help entrepreneurs strengthen business foundations, improve operations, and build practical systems they can use immediately.” “Courses are practical, accessible, and bilingual.” Starts in March. 
    • Geographic Coverage: Depending on the program it is either online or in-person in Chicago
    • Cost: Free

  • Block Advisors, by H&R Block Small Business Financial Readiness Boost Camp
    • Description: “This 8-week virtual accelerator is designed to help entrepreneurs master the complete business-building toolkit—from brand to balance sheet—with expert financial guidance at every critical decision point.” Open nationwide to eligible businesses. Virtual program.
    • Cost: Free
    • Deadline: March 24, 2026 at 5:00pm


Business Workshops/Events

 

  • Free Financial Literacy Session hosted by Fempreneur Poder Hub and Pursuit 
    • February 26, 2026 at 5:00pm live on Instagram, IG: @FEMPRENEURPODER
    • Cost: Free








Nonprofit Resources

 


DCEO Job Opportunities: For a full list, click HERE

 

  • Highlighting a DCFS job opportunity in case it is of interest: 

 

    • Title: CHIEF OF LATINO SERVICES
    • Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,000 - $11,000/month (Full Range: $8,281 - $14,807)
    • Location: Cook
    • Deadline to Apply: 03/17/2026

 

Additional Resources/Opportunities

 

  • Want to learn more about how to create a Worker Cooperative?
    • Description: Center for Changing Lives “…Small Business Coaching will help you understand what a worker co-op is and how this can support you in your entrepreneurial work.”

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