The Cook County Small Business Source program strives to support, grow and elevate small businesses. As a Business Support Organization in the program, the Illinois Restaurant Association is here to help.
The Catalyst Grant: Fueling What's Next
Cook County businesses are powering the local economy, and now it’s time to fuel yours.
The Catalyst Grant will provide grants for eligible businesses poised for growth. Cook County will provide up to 88 businesses the opportunity to receive a $100,000 grant to support their next phase of growth including addressing workforce needs, modernizing equipment, or upgrading your facility.
To be eligible, businesses must operate in one of the following industries:
Construction
Finance and Insurance
Information Technology (IT)
Manufacturing
Professional Services
Real Estate
The application deadline has been extended! Applications now close November 14, 2025 at 5 p.m. CST.
For full eligibility information and to apply, visit HERE.
Tech Tour 2025
Join Us On December 3rd at Google Chicago
The 2025 IRA Tech Tour, hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, will bring together restaurant operators and expert panelists on Wednesday, December 3 to address the array of technological challenges and opportunities facing restaurants.
Registration is complimentary for restaurant operators. Register today!
No Cost Business Advising to Meet Your Needs
One-on-One Sessions
The Illinois Restaurant Association is proud to partner with the Cook County Small Business Source to provide no-cost, one-on-one business advising services. Through the Source’s award-winning business advising program, experienced advisors work hand-in-hand with local small business owners to provide ongoing coaching and support to address businesses needs including:
Building or revising your business plan
Establishing credit
Growing your customer base or entering new markets
Navigating and securing procurement opportunities
Preparing your business for grant and loan opportunities
And more!
Best of all, this program is free for small businesses operating in Cook County with fewer than 20 employees. Visit the Source’s website to learn more and sign up today.
Interactive Business Advising Virtual Sessions
Join Us Online for Live Assistance
With timely topics, expert panelists, and interactive discussions, get your questions answered during these valuable live sessions.
You've got questions. We're here to help. Throughout each month, hospitality industry panelists join the Illinois Restaurant Association for live virtual discussions offering restaurant operators an easy way to login, learn, and leave with the
info you need to build your business.
VISIT the IRA Calendar for more information and to register for a Business Advising virtual session. Sessions are free to join!
Advantage Illinois
Discover a pathway to empowerment with an Advantage Illinois loan. From the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Advantage Illinois programs make eligibility as flexible as possible and provide access to loans for small businesses through the:
Participation Loan Program (PLP) – helps Illinois businesses get term loan financing at lower rates by purchasing a portion of the loan and lowering the risk for the lenders.
Loan Guarantee Program (LGP) – provides a guarantee of partial principal repayment to the lender if a loan goes into default.
LEARN MORE and find a list of participating lenders in your area.
Resources
Business Plans
Business Plan Template to help you think through your business needs, create a strategy for growth, and analyze your competition.
Many businesses will need a combination of licenses, zoning, and permits. It's best to check your local municipality website to identify local requirements.
