You’re invited to Alternative Financing Options at The Hatchery.

Join us for a practical workshop connecting small business owners with non-bank organizations that provide financing options to help them grow. Featuring representatives from SomerCor, Cook County Small Business Source, Allies for Community Business, and Pursuit — along with additional partners — this session is designed to give you direct access to the tools, programs, and expertise that can help take your business to the next level.

Whether you’re just launching, looking to scale, or seeking funding and support to sustain your growth, this workshop will connect you with real financing options and the people behind them.

At this workshop, you’ll connect with organizations that can help you:

• Access small business loans and financing outside of traditional banks
• Navigate growth and scaling strategies
• Build and strengthen your business credit
• Explore alternative lending and funding programs
• Find the right programs and partners for your stage of business

Get your questions answered in a live discussion with our featured organizations and connect with participating partners onsite.

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: The Hatchery, 135 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL

Come ready to learn, make connections, and take the next step toward your business goals.

The post BWTT: Alternative Financing Options for Small Business appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Calling all returning citizens and community members! Join us for a free event designed to help you clear obstacles and move forward — no matter where you are on your journey. Connect with organizations and experts ready to help you access opportunities, navigate systems, and build a stronger future.

What You’ll Find at the Fair

• Legal support for clearing convictions and cannabis records
• Housing and civil rights resources
• Cook County support services
• Banking and financial tools
• Health Care & Recovery
• Mentorship and community support
• Re-entry Myth Busters fact sheets — get the real answers
• CDL licensing and construction career pathways
• Small business startup resources

From clearing your record to building your career, this fair connects you to the tools you need to move forward.

Stop by and take your next step.

📅 Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
🕐 Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 4114 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60624

This event is free and open to the public.
If you are a returning citizen, this resource fair is for YOU!

The post Removing Barriers Resource Fair appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Whether you’re fixing your credit or just getting started, we’ll help you take the next step.
Credit Comeback brings together Chicago’s banking and financial partners to help you understand your credit, build a budget you can actually stick to, and take your next financial step, so you’re not figuring it out alone.

Learn how to…

• Understand and improve your credit score
• Create a realistic monthly budget
• Build an emergency savings fund
• Develop strategies for reducing and eliminating debt
• Set achievable financial goals
• and more!

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Center | 4314 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

Register today!

The post BWTT: Credit Comeback Workshop appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Join the Chicago Treasurer’s Office and the 10th Ward Alderman Chico’s Office for a free workshop featuring industry experts and networking with fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you’re ready to start a business or looking to grow one, this session will give you the tools and connections to move forward.

📅 Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Hegewisch Community Center | 13323 S Green bay Ave, Chicago, IL 60633

Register today!

The post Small Business Basics Worksop appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Join the Chicago Treasurer’s Office and Huntington Bank for a free, beginner-friendly workshop designed to make investing easier to understand.

During this session, attendees will learn how saving and investing small amounts over time can support long-term financial goals, why getting started matters, and how working with a financial advisor can help guide the process. No previous investing experience is required.

🗓️ Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Huntington Bank | 1400 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Register today!

The post Investing 101 with Huntington Bank appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Thinking about buying a home? Sign up for this free event series and learn how to make it happen.

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Harry S. Truman College (McKeon Lobby), 1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Cost: Free for all residents

What You’ll Gain

HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education
A 4-hour course led through Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago’s (NHS) HUD-certified homebuyer education program. Complete both Part 1 and Part 2 to earn your Homebuyer Education Certificate.

Down Payment Assistance Guidance
Learn about the City of Chicago’s HomeGrown Down Payment Assistance Program and other grants and resources that can make homeownership more affordable.

Resource Fair
Connect with lenders, housing professionals, and community organizations who can help you move forward on your path to homeownership.

Important Details

• This is Part 1 of a two-part series. You must attend both Part 1 (September 12) and Part 2 (September 19) to earn your certificate.
• Please arrive promptly. Attendees will not be admitted past 9:15 AM.
• Space is limited. Register today.

Click Here to Register Today!

The post BWTT: The Home Stretch Part 1 appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.

Thinking about buying a home? Sign up for this free event series and learn how to make it happen.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Harry S. Truman College (McKeon Lobby), 1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Cost: Free for all residents

What You’ll Gain

HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education
A 4-hour course led through Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago’s (NHS) HUD-certified homebuyer education program. Complete both Part 1 and Part 2 to earn your Homebuyer Education Certificate.

Down Payment Assistance Guidance
Learn about the City of Chicago’s HomeGrown Down Payment Assistance Program and other grants and resources that can make homeownership more affordable.

Resource Fair
Connect with lenders, housing professionals, and community organizations who can help you move forward on your path to homeownership.

Important Details

• This is Part 2 of a two-part series. You must attend both Part 1 (September 12) and Part 2 (September 19) to earn your certificate.
• Please arrive promptly. Attendees will not be admitted past 9:15 AM.
• Space is limited. Register today.

Click Here to Register Today!

The post BWTT: The Home Stretch Part 2 appeared first on Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois.