Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives of most small business owners around Cook County.
To continue to support small businesses through this difficult time, Cook County’s COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program is planning a finance-focused webinar, titled “It’s Your Turn: Time to Survive and Thrive – PPP and More”, for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.
All small business owners in Cook County are welcome to register for the free event at https://t2m.io/itsyourturnppp.
The webinar will discuss the reopened Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and how small businesses can work with local lenders to secure assistance.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, representatives from Small Business Assistance Program partner organizations and small business owners who have received assistance from the program in the past — like Luz Cavazos, owner of Juicy Luzy Sangria — will speak during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join small group discussions.
“Getting that email was a blessing,” Cavazos said of finding out about the Small Business Assistance Program. “I’m grateful for the grant we got, because if we wouldn’t have gotten it… it was literally just making it, not knowing how long you had.”
The County also invites small businesses to sign up for the Cook County – Chicago Business Advising Program, also known as technical assistance, which provides individualized assistance to business owners to help them address needs; acquire new capital and customers; understand finances, as well as change and risk management; adjust business models; and operate under changing safety regulations. This assistance is provided by program partners like Accion, Chicago Urban League, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Development Center, Berwyn Development Corporation, Chicago TREND, Cook County Black Chamber Corporation and Southland Development Authority.
ABOUT THE COOK COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program provides support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers advising for small businesses in Cook County and grants for small businesses in suburban Cook County and the unincorporated areas. For more information about the program, visit https://t2m.io/CookCountySBassist.
Insurance Navy & the Town of Cicero Host a Food Drive October 8, 2020 at Community Park
Insurance Navy and the Town of Cicero is hosting a food drive in the Cicero Community Park on 3400 S Laramie Ave Cicero, IL. The food drive will be on October 8, 2020 from 9 am- 12 pm.
“It’s important to remember that donated food is most helpful if it is both safe and high quality,” says Barbara Ingham, food safety specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Those attending will each receive 1 box containing non- perishables. The food drive will abide by the COVID-19 guidelines. Volunteers will hand over the boxes into participants’ vehicles as a way to avoid contact. Face masks will be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced.
Insurance Navy has been a part of the Cicero community for over 9 years and knows it is important to take care of those who are in need. For more information, please visit our website:
Athletico expands Telehealth for Physical and Occupational Therapy in response to COVID-19
PT Leader’s Patient-Centric Approach Allows Patients to Continue Therapy from Their Homes
With physical and occupational therapy services officially identified as “essential services” and part of the nation’s “critical infrastructure” by state and federal officials, Athletico Physical Therapy clinics remain open to ensure patients recovering from injuries can continue their treatments uninterrupted.
In addition, Athletico, which has an office in Cicero at 1621 S Cicero Avenue, announced it has expanded its telehealth offering for physical and occupational therapy to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities affected by COVID-19. While continuing to offer in-clinic appointments, Athletico will allow new and existing patients – who prefer to remain at home for their treatment sessions – the ability to connect with clinicians through a secure live internet video feed, in the comfort of their homes, through smartphones, tablets or home computers.
“The health and safety of all Athletico patients, employees and the communities in which we operate is our top priority,” said Ron Rodgers, CEO of Athletico Physical Therapy.
“Expanding Athletico’s telehealth offering ensures current patient treatments continue uninterrupted and that new patients can begin managing chronic pain or recovering from injury while practicing social distancing as advised by public health officials. Delaying treatment for these patients can not only interrupt the improvement that they’re experiencing but actually cause them to regress. That’s why we’re committed to doing everything we can to continue treating our patients as safely as possible, while also protecting our employees and local communities.”
Patients can schedule a telehealth appointment on Athletico’s website, by calling their local Athletico clinic or by calling 877-ATHLETICO (284-5384). When the virtual appointment takes place, a clinician from the patient’s local Athletico clinic will connect with the patient through Zoom’s video conference app or FaceTime if the patient has an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer.
Athletico clinicians have significant experience in both assessing injuries and providing treatment with telehealth technology. In 2019, Athletico was among the first PT providers to launch a telehealth offering, providing those suffering from injuries with free assessments.
In addition to providing expanded telehealth services, to ensure the safety of patients and employees, Athletico has taken several measures including additional screening procedures, enhanced cleaning practices and appropriate distancing of patients during treatment sessions.
About Athletico Physical Therapy Athletico Physical Therapy provides the highest quality orthopedic rehabilitation services to communities, employers and athletes in over 500 locations throughout twelve states with more than 5,000 employees. Athletico is committed to our patients and referring physicians through our patient-centric focus, positive work environment, attention to quality and high standard of care. Athletico measures patient outcomes and satisfaction and is dedicated to continuous improvement. Athletico was named #1 Workplace in Chicago, “Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation” by ADVANCE magazine, Top Workplace in the Nation and has been recognized as a leader in employee volunteering and charitable giving. Our services include physical and occupational/hand therapy, workers’ compensation, women’s health therapy, concussion management and athletic training. Athletico also has a telehealth offering for physical and occupational therapy that provides patients with the ability to connect with clinicians virtually through a live video feed from the comfort of their homes. For more information, visit www.athletico.com and follow us on Twitter at @athletico.
State officials outline services to Cicero Businesses
Officials from the State of Illinois offered details on the many programs that the state offers to local small businesses at a meeting of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce held in Cicero on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. More than 45 business leaders attended.
ENGLISH (SPANISH version below; Video of meeting below) Also view a video of the event below.
State officials detail programs available for business at Chamber meeting
Officials from the State of Illinois outlined several programs that local businesses may qualify for to help them be more successful during a meeting of the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce held on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020.
Speakers included Manuel Lopez, Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Joe McKeown from “Team RED,” and Pedro Pineda from the Illinois Central Management Office (CMS).
The event was organized by Cicero Town President Larry Dominick and was co-sponsored by State Rep. Lisa Hernandez.
Rosa Gaytan, administrative assistant to State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, addresses attendees. Seated are (from left) Pedro Pineda from the Illinois Central Management Office (CMS)., Manuel Lopez, Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Joe McKeown from “Team RED.” Photo courtesy of the Town of Cicero
“One program that is very helpful for small businesses provides capital investment loans that offer lower interest rates than what you might obtain from your local bank,” Lopez told the 45 business owners and representatives who attended the free meeting.
“All you have to do is reach out to us, and bring your company overview, a description of how many jobs you have and a projection of your capital investment data.”
Pineda explained that the State also provides certifications to businesses, large and small, to certify that they are women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and disabled-owned, categories that allow the state to provide additional resources and support.
State officials detail programs available to small businesses in Cicero. Photo courtesy of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
Businesses owned by women, the disabled, minorities or by veteran may qualify for contract award set-a-sides.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have enough veteran-owned businesses that are certified with the state. If you are a veteran-owned business, you should reach out to us and get certified to qualify for these contracts,” Pineda said.
Pineda said that “The state has set-asides specifically to help small businesses to succeed and to stay in their community. It’s only for small businesses.”
McKeown added that in most cases, the state can significantly reduce the interest rate that a business would pay for a loan.
“We can also help businesses when they need to meet with a bank to obtain assistance,” McKeown said.
They explained that the state also provides grants, although most are for infra-structure improvements.
The state provides a wide range of programs to help new businesses launch, provide certifications for Food Service Sanitation Managers, register to become a vendor among many other programs. Business owners can visit the state’s website at Illinois.gov/business for more information.
Ismael Vargas, the Town of Cicero Business License Director, also addressed the attendees explaining services and support the Town provides.
“It’s important that you reach out to us if you need assistance or information. We are there to help you,” Vargas said.
The new Cicero Chamber of Commerce was launched in November with support from Town President Larry Dominick and the Town’s business license department.
Meetings are scheduled each month and include on Wednesday, February 26 a program to connect business owners with editors and publishers of the local community news media to better understand how a business can promote its services and products.
On Tuesday, March 31, the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce will host a Job Fair to connect businesses that have job openings and who are hiring with residents who are seeking employment. Businesses will be given tables to meet and speak with community residents who are encouraged to bring their resumes.
For more information on Chamber activities visit the Chamber website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com. There, businesses can register online to receive information on all of the Chamber’s free programs and services.
SPANISH
Funcionarios estatales presentan los programas disponibles para los negocios en la reunión de la Cámara de Comercio
Los funcionarios del estado de Illinois describieron varios programas para los que las empresas locales pueden calificar, para ayudarlos a tener más éxito durante una reunión de la nueva Cámara de Comercio de Cicero celebrada el miércoles 29 de enero de 2020.
Los oradores incluyeron a Manuel López, Gerente de Desarrollo Económico Regional del Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas de Illinois, Joe McKeown del “Equipo RED” y Pedro Pineda de la Oficina Central de Administración de Illinois (CMS).
El evento fue organizado por el presidente de Cicero Larry Dominick y fue copatrocinado por la representante estatal Lisa Hernández.
“Un programa que es muy útil para las pequeñas empresas proporciona préstamos de inversión de capital que ofrecen tasas de interés más bajas que las que podría obtener de su banco local”, dijo López a los 45 propietarios y representantes de negocios que asistieron a la reunión gratuita.
“Todo lo que tiene que hacer es comunicarse con nosotros y brindar una visión general de su empresa, una descripción de cuántos trabajos tiene y una proyección de sus datos de inversión de capital”.
Pineda explicó que el Estado también proporciona certificaciones a empresas, grandes y pequeñas, para certificar que son propiedad de mujeres, minorías, veteranos y discapacitados, categorías que permiten al estado proporcionar recursos y apoyo adicionales.
Las empresas propiedad de mujeres, discapacitados, minorías o veteranos pueden calificar para la adjudicación de contratos.
“Desafortunadamente, no tenemos suficientes negocios de veteranos que estén certificados con el estado. Si usted es un veterano-dueño de negocio, debe comunicarse con nosotros y obtener la certificación para calificar para estos contratos”, dijo Pineda.
Pineda agrego que “el estado ha establecido apartados, específicamente para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a tener éxito y permanecer en su comunidad. Es solo para pequeñas empresas”.
McKeown agregó que en la mayoría de los casos, el estado puede reducir significativamente la tasa de interés que una empresa pagaría por un préstamo.
“También podemos ayudar a las empresas cuando necesiten reunirse con un banco para obtener asistencia”, dijo McKeown.
Explicaron que el estado también otorga subsidios, aunque la mayoría son para mejoras de infraestructura.
El estado ofrece una amplia gama de programas para ayudar al lanzamiento de nuevos negocios, proporcionar certificaciones para los Gerentes de Saneamiento del Servicio de Alimentos, registrarse para convertirse en proveedor entre muchos otros programas. Los dueños de negocios pueden visitar el sitio web del estado en Illinois.gov/business para obtener más información.
Ismael Vargas, el Director de Licencias Comerciales del Town of Cicero, también se dirigió a los asistentes explicando los servicios y el apoyo que brinda el municipio.
“Es importante que se comunique con nosotros si necesita ayuda o información. Estamos allí para ayudarlo”, dijo Vargas.
La nueva Cámara de Comercio de Cicero se lanzó el pasado mes de noviembre con el apoyo del presidente municipal, Larry Dominick y el Departamento de licencias comerciales de la ciudad de Cicero.
Las reuniones se programan cada mes e incluyen el miércoles 26 de febrero, un programa para conectar a los dueños de negocios con editores y el personal periodístico de los medios de comunicación de la comunidad local para comprender mejor cómo una empresa puede promocionar sus servicios y productos.
El martes 31 de marzo, la nueva Cámara de Comercio de Cicero organizará una Feria de Empleo para enlazar a las empresas que tienen vacantes de empleo y que quieran contratan a residentes que buscan trabajo. Las empresas recibirán mesas para reunirse y hablar con los residentes de la comunidad a quienes se les anima a traer sus currículums.
Para obtener más información sobre las actividades de la Cámara, visite el sitio web de la Cámara en www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com. Allí, las empresas pueden registrarse en línea para recibir información sobre todos los programas y servicios gratuitos de la Cámara.
Press Release: Chamber offers program to help businesses with State Programs
Chamber meeting Jan. 29, 2020 on State Programming.
ENGLISH VERSION
State Programs to Assist businesses
Guest Speaker will be Manuel (Manny) Lopez, the Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
The Town of Cicero, and State Rep. Lisa Hernandez will join the Cicero Chamber of Commerce in hosting a meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Avenue, beginning at 5 pm to discuss programs that the State of Illinois offers to the business community.
Our Guest Speaker will be Manuel (Manny) Lopez, the Regional Economic Development Manager of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. He will discuss programs and services from the State of Illinois that are available to local businesses.
Lopez will also be joined by Joe McKeown from team RED, and Pedro Pineda from the CMS (Central Management Office) will also be accompanying addressing the meeting. Pineda speaks about the BEP (Business Enterprise Program) and the certification process and how it could be a benefit to small business owners.
Business License Director Ismael Vargas
“I’ve been with the state for 12 years. I started with Department of Human Services as a caseworker for 5 years then got promoted to CMS Department of Examining and Counseling where I worked for 4 and a half years and then moved to CMS Business Enterprise Program since 2018 where I’ve worked as the Outreach Coordinator. I graduated from Loyola University with a BA and attended Lewis University where I obtained my MBA. Long time South Side resident,” Pineda said.
Business License Director and Cicero Chaplain Ismael Vargas will also be present to answer questions about Cicero business requirements and needs at both meetings.
We will have guest speakers from the state of Illinois and the Illinois Legislature who will discuss how businesses can tap resources at the state level to achieve their business goals.
Watch for more details on this program which is free to our business members. Make sure to fill out the online membership form (free) so that you will be kept up to date about all of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce’s events.
Members must send an email and RSVP in order to attend the meetings. There is limited seating but we will try to accommodate all of the Chamber members. Please let us know if you will be attending by sending an email noting the meeting date and topic.
Cícero anuncia programas de ayuda financiera para negocios
Manuel (Manny) López, Administrador de Desarrollo Económico Regional del Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Financieras de Illinois, será el orador invitado en una presentación especial
El municipio de Cícero y la Representante estatal Lisa Hernández (D-24) se unieron a la ‘Cámara de Comercio de Cícero’ para realizar una reunión en que serán presentados y discutidos los diversos programas de ayuda financiera estatal que Illinois ofrece a los comerciantes y dueños de negocios. El seminario será el Miércoles 29 de enero de 2020, a las 5 de la tarde, en la Casa Comunal de Cícero (Cícero Community Center), 2250 S. 49th Avenue.
El orador invitado será Manuel (Manny) López, Administrador de la oficina de Desarrollo Económico Regional del ‘Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Financieras de Illinois’ quien hablará sobre los diversos programas y servicios financieros que Illinois ofrece a todos los negocios locales.
Entre tanto, el Director de Licencias Comerciales y Capellán de Cícero, Ismael Vargas, también estará listo en la reunión, para responder cualquier pregunta o inquietud sobre los requisitos de negocios en el municipio.
Así mismo, habrá panelistas invitados del estado de Illinois y de la Legislatura estatal que explicarán a los comerciantes la mejor manera de solicitar y aprovechar los recursos estatales disponibles que les ayudarán a lograr sus metas financieras comerciales.
Pedimos que estén pendientes de otros detalles sobre este útil programa, ofrecido totalmente GRATIS a todos los miembros de la Cámara de Comercio de Cícero / Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
Si desea convertirse en miembro y participar en los seminarios para aprovechar estos programas, asegúrese de llenar los formularios de membresía ofrecidos también GRATUITAMENTE en nuestro portal electrónico, en donde además le mantendremos al tanto de los futuros, informativos e interesantes eventos que estará organizando periódicamente la Cámara de Comercio de Cícero / Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
Los comerciantes miembros que planean asistir al evento, deben enviar un correo electrónico y responder a una reservación (RSVP). El cupo es limitado pero trataremos de acomodar a todos los miembros de la Cámara de Comercio que deseen participar. Por favor, si planea ser parte del seminario, envíe un correo electrónico dejando su nombre, el nombre de su negocio, además de la fecha y el tema del evento que le interesa.
Para más información visite nuestro portal de Internet:
Manny Lopez is the Regional Economic Development Manager for Cook County. As the newest member to join Team RED (Regional Economic Development) at DCEO, Manny helps businesses, communities, and workers learn about different State resources that are available to assist them.
Prior to joining team RED, Manny has worked in many different fields that included customer service and sales & operations. These roles have been spread over a career in companies that included Comcast, Colorado Technical University, and Enova Financial. A proud United States Navy veteran, Manny has served in Hawaii, the Persian Gulf and even lived in South Korea for two years.
Manny earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration on marketing from DeVry University. He is a family man who loves spending time with his children and is dedicated to helping people thrive in their everyday life.
Press Release: Cicero Chamber of Commerces Launches new chapter
More than 44 businesses, and 20 leaders from the Town of Cicero and community groups launched the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce during a dinner meeting at Langostinos Restaurant on Laramie Avenue in Cicero on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019.
The effort was led by Town President Larry Dominick who told the gathering that the business community needed to reorganize to re-establish a professional business networking association to become stronger and more successful.
“It’s very important for the businesses in Cicero to come together and network and work with the Town of Cicero. The Town wants our businesses to succeed and coming together through the Cicero Chamber of Commerce is the first step towards making that happen,” Dominick told the business leaders.
Town President Larry Dominick greeted each of the businesses that attended the Cicero Chamber of Commerce “Launch Meeting” on Wednesday Nov. 20, 2019.
“The Town of Cicero is here to help you and I am proud that we are able to help bring this organization together after a long absence.”
Dominick also reported on the continuing fight to make Cicero the safest community in the state, noting that the activities of street gangs continues to fall and how many of the street gangs that once were in Cicero have fled.
“When I came to office in 2005 there were more than 14 street gang related killings as well as many other acts of violence. Today, that has dropped significantly to one a year. And that is still unacceptable and we continue to work to achieve a total zero tolerance for street gang activity and presence,” Dominick said.
Speakers at the first “Launch Meeting” of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce included Ismael Vargas, the director of Business Licensing. Vargas spoke about the services that the Town of Cicero officers to help businesses. Speakers also included representatives to the Cic era Policer Department, including Captain of Police Mathew Ramirez and Detective Edgar Alba who discussed the increasing safety in the town and how businesses can make their retail efforts safer.
Also attending were Cicero Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, and State Rep. Lisa Hernandez who detailed state programs that are available to help businesses.
Organizers said the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce will meet monthly beginning in January after the holidays and will provide speakers who can help businesses to strengthen their sales, practices and achieve their goals. The chamber will also offer many other services including hosting a jobs fair to help them find qualified employees from within the community. The chamber will also help publicize and promote businesses by spotlighting them on the chamber’s new website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com. The website lists many of the services the new chamber hopes to provide.
Currently, there is no fee to join the chamber although the chamber’s interim board will at a later date set an affordable and appropriate membership fee to cover services and benefits. Membership in the new Cicero Chamber of Commerce is open to any retail business that has a business license from the Town of Cicero.
Formore information on upcoming meetings, topics and services visit the chamber’s website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com.
Cicero Chamber of Commerce announces new Interim Board members Town President Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero Board of Trustees welcomed the members of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce Interim Board of Directors. The new Interim board is in formation and will be electing officers soon to oversee the programs and services to the Chambers more than 200 members. The Cicero Chamber of Commerce was relaunched in 2018 organizing many activities and seminars, but suspended activities in early 2020 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The new board will soon announce their officers and begin organizing meetings for business owners from Cicero and licensed Cicero businesses. For more information visit the Chamber’s website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com Here are the new Interim Board members. · Juan Del Real, All State Insurance · · Annette Ruele, Ziyad Brothers Importing. · · Miguel Garro, PNC/ AVP Branch Manager · · Antonio Grigorio-Sleivys, President, Santa Fe & Associates. · · Nivram Morelia Espinosa, Owner, Las Michoacanas Ice Cream Shop · · Sam Dahle. Liquor Store. · · Jim Baker, CBC board member & Oak Park Copiers · · Jose Luis Espinosa, US Auto Parts · · Andy Peña, El Campeon de las Piñas · · Edward Velasquez, Velasquez Automatic Music Company Attending the meeting supporting the new Interim board were Maru Ayala, Cicero Hispanic Liaison, Blanca Vargas, Cicero Hispanic Liaison, Cicero Clerk, Maria Punzo-Arias, Cicero Collector Emo Cundari, Trustees Larry Banks and Victor Garcia, Cicero Town Spokesman and interim Chamber coordinator Ray Hanania, members of th CIcero Business Committee Jeff Davis and Craig Pesek. Business Director Ismael Vargas was also present to support the new Chamber board. “We want to give the new Chamber leadership as much support as possible to restore this very important organization and to organize events, programs and serve as a conduit between the Town and the business community,” President Dominick said. “The Chamber is important to our community. We are proud of the many new businesses that have relocated to the Town of Cicero bringing many new jobs but we understand the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created and the Chamber’s role is even more important today. We wish them good luck.” (Not pictured is Andy Peña, El Campeon de las Piñas Coladas.)
State offers SBA Paycheck Protection online webinar The Illinois District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Northeast Region of the Illinois and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are joining to present a webinar on the programs administered by SBA within the Economic Aid Act. Friday, February 19, 2021 1:00 pm Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00) These programs will assist in invigorating the small businesses and community organizations affected by COVID-19; We invite you to attend. Click https://bit.ly/3jAAiQV
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27 The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives of most small business owners around Cook County. To continue to support small businesses through this difficult time, Cook County’s COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program is planning a finance-focused webinar, titled “It’s Your Turn: Time to Survive and Thrive – PPP and More”, for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27. All small business owners in Cook County are welcome to register for the free event at https://t2m.io/itsyourturnppp. The webinar will discuss the reopened Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and how small businesses can work with local lenders to secure assistance. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, representatives from Small Business Assistance Program partner organizations and small business owners who have received assistance from the program in the past — like Luz Cavazos, owner of Juicy Luzy Sangria — will speak during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join small group discussions. “Getting that email was a blessing,” Cavazos said of finding out about the Small Business Assistance Program. “I’m grateful for the grant we got, because if we wouldn’t have gotten it… it was literally just making it, not knowing how long you had.” The County also invites small businesses to sign up for the Cook County – Chicago Business Advising Program, also known as technical assistance, which provides individualized assistance to business owners to help them address needs; acquire new capital and customers; understand finances, as well as change and risk management; adjust business models; and operate under changing safety regulations. This assistance is provided by program partners like Accion, Chicago Urban League, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Development Center, Berwyn Development Corporation, Chicago TREND, Cook County Black Chamber Corporation and Southland Development Authority. ABOUT THE COOK COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program provides support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers advising for small businesses in Cook County and grants for small businesses in suburban Cook County and the unincorporated areas. For more information about the program, visit https://t2m.io/CookCountySBassist.
Cook County Offers programs for businesses Bureau of Economic Development December 16, 2020 Are you a restaurant or bar employee? Register for our Webinar: Support and Assistance for Restaurant & Bar Workers Join us for a webinar on Thursday, 12/17 at 10:00 (CST) to learn more about: How to apply for relief Information about other organizations and assistance programs helping the food and beverage industry Introductory remarks will be provided by Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Tenth District. Hear from panelists from the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Southern Smoke Foundation, and the West Suburban Cook County American Job Center. This webinar is being produced in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative. Register here for the webinar! Cook County Community Recovery Initiative Looking for a Job during the Pandemic? The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program, in partnership with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, can help you get back to work and find new careers. Apply by clicking the button below or call them at 1-800-720-2515. Go here to apply! Are You Behind on Bills? Apply for Utility Assistance before Winter Arrives! Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) has programs to assist eligible residents with paying utility bills. If you or someone you love are in need of support, you can access programs to pay for your utility bills with our partners at CEDA. Call them at (800) 571-2332. They offer support through the following programs and online applications. The programs currently open are: Gas & Electric Furnace Repair & Replacement Water Assistance Dealing with Eviction or Unresolved Debt? Are you behind on your mortgage or property tax payments? Do you live in Cook County? You are not in this alone. You may be eligible for FREE legal help from the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt Program. Call 855-956-5763 Go here to apply for help. In Case You Missed It Illinois has released new rules in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about Restore Illinois – Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations. Bureau of Economic Development 69 W Washington, Suite 2900 | Chicago, IL 60602 | Phone: (312) 603-1000 Mission – The Bureau of Economic Development’s mission is to lead and promote equitable economic growth and community development. Values Equity. Engagement. Excellence. Learn more about Vital Communities, our strategic plan for economic development, with the Policy Roadmap: Five-Year Strategic Plan for Offices Under the President.
Chamber launches new Spotlight on Cicero Businesses Program with Profile on Bimbo Bakeries The Cicero Chamber of Commerce and Town President Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero board of trustees have partnered to launch a new program to help put the spotlight on the successful practices of local businesses that are successfully coping with the coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. (View the video interview below) Called “Spotlight on Cicero Businesses,” the program features regular Zoom Video interviews with selected Cicero based companies and discusses the challenges they have faced in the pandemic and how they have addressed those challenges. Representatives from each company will discuss their Best Practices they employ to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the product, customers and employees. The first interview was conducted this past week with Moises Chavez, the Plant Manager for Bimbo Bakeries’ Cicero location at 1540 S. 54th Avenue. Bimbo Bakery has 60 locations in the United States, two in the Chicagoland region and 200 around the World. Bimbo Bakeries employs 400 individuals at the Cicero location and is planning to expand their production there and hire 40 more employees in the next few months. The Cicero location produces more than 2 million units of product each week that include Entenmann’s, Bimbo, and Marinela products . Bimbo Bakeries produces food products under 21 total brands that include Thomas, Sara Lee, Beefsteak and Boboli to name only a few. “Bimbo is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and I am very proud to be working with them,” Chavez said during the 30 minute interview. Click here to visit Bimbo Bakeries website. Click here to view the video interview online or use the widget below. If you would like to have your business spotlighted, please email Ray Hanania at the Town of Cicero at rhanania@thetownofcicero.com.
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
WATCH FOR NEWS and UPDATES on the CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC … SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THIS CRISIS —
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27 The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives …
Athletico expands Telehealth for Physical and Occupational Therapy in response to COVID-19 PT Leader’s Patient-Centric Approach Allows Patients to Continue Therapy from Their Homes With …
LIKE our Facebook Page
Follow us on Twitter