financial empowerment Archives - Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/tag/financial-empowerment/ The City Treasurer’s Office is the custodian and manager of all cash and investments for the City of Chicago, the four City employee pension funds, and the Chicago Teacher’s Pension Fund. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:32:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MCE-Portrait-2024-1-scaled-e1734541513502-150x150.jpg financial empowerment Archives - Chicago Treasurer's Office | Melissa Conyears-Ervin - Chicago Treasurer | CTO | Chicago Illinois https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/tag/financial-empowerment/ 32 32 Supporting System-Impacted Small Business Owners https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/resources-for-returning-resident-small-business-owners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=resources-for-returning-resident-small-business-owners Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:10:34 +0000 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/?post_type=mec-events&p=7710 Supporting System-Impacted Small Business Owners System-impacted entrepreneurs face unique challenges. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for a conversation focused on reentry, entrepreneurship, and the tools available to help system-impacted residents move forward with confidence. Hear directly from business owners, community leaders, and resource partners about what it takes to overcome […]

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Supporting System-Impacted Small Business Owners

System-impacted entrepreneurs face unique challenges. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Join us for a conversation focused on reentry, entrepreneurship, and the tools available to help system-impacted residents move forward with confidence. Hear directly from business owners, community leaders, and resource partners about what it takes to overcome barriers, build a business, and create new opportunities.

Hear about:
🔹 The challenges of starting a business as a returning resident
🔹 The Illinois Clean Slate Act — what it is and how it may help
🔹 Real experiences from the owner of VietFive Coffee on building a business after reentry
🔹 Resources and support from the Mayor’s Office of Reentry and community partners
🔹 Answers to your questions from U.S. Bank, Escape the Odds, and more

📅 Date: April 2, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: VietFive Coffee – 1116 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL.

Click here to find your ward number.

Questions? Visit chicagocitytreasurer.com or email citytreasurerevents@cityofchicago.org.

Click here to register now!

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]]> MMI Home Stretch: Homebuyer Event Part 1 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/mmi-home-stretch-homebuyer-event-part-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mmi-home-stretch-homebuyer-event-part-1 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:36:51 +0000 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/?post_type=mec-events&p=7628 The Money Matters Institute Home Stretch: Homebuyer Event (Part 1) at BUILD Chicago Calling all aspiring homebuyers! Join us for a free event designed to help you move from dream to doorstep. Gain the tools, guidance, and confidence you need—no matter where you are on your journey. Earn a certificate you can take to the bank for […]

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]]> The Money Matters Institute Home Stretch:
Homebuyer Event (Part 1) at BUILD Chicago

Calling all aspiring homebuyers! Join us for a free event designed to help you move from dream to doorstep. Gain the tools, guidance, and confidence you need—no matter where you are on your journey.

  • Earn a certificate you can take to the bank for down payment assistance*
  • One-on-one support from HUD-certified counselors
  • Start a customized action plan to qualify for homeownership
  • Get your free TransUnion credit score (soft pull only – no impact!)

From first steps to final stretch, this event moves you closer to the keys.

*Must complete 6 homeowner education hours and 1 one-on-one counseling session

How the Two-Part Home Stretch Series Works

Step 1
Attend Part 1 (this event) and complete 3 hours of your required homebuyer education.
You must be in your seat by 9:30 AM and attend the full session to receive credit for 3 of the 6 required homebuyer education

Step 2
Sign up for your required one-on-one counseling session. Appointments are available on February 21 or February 28.

Please bring:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of income (last two months of pay stubs)
  • Bank statements (last two months)

Step 3
Attend Part 2 of the Home Stretch series to complete the remaining 3 hours of your required homebuyer education.

Step 4
Congratulations! After completing both parts, you will receive your certificate (valid for one year) and can begin working with financial institutions to pursue down payment assistance and mortgage readiness.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
🕓 Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: BUILD Chicago – 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60644

What to Expect at Part 1

  • Homebuyer Program Deep Dive (9 AM –12 PM): Hear from The Resurrection Project on how their education and certification programs pave the way toward mortgage readiness and down payment assistance.
  • Private HUD-Certified Counseling (Available 9 AM–3 PM): Customized one-on-one sessions with certified counselors from The Resurrection Project help attendees get personal guidance and review their credit.
  • Resource Fair & Exhibitor Tables (All Day): Meet with key partners from financial institutions and housing organizations ready to support your path to homeownership.

From first steps to final stretch, this series moves you closer to the keys.

Spots are limited. Reserve your seat today.

Click here to register now!

 

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]]> Money Matters Institute January 2026: Budgeting & Saving https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/mmi-jan29/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mmi-jan29 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:09:58 +0000 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/?post_type=mec-events&p=7024 Money Matters Institute January 2026: Budgeting & Saving We’re excited to welcome you to the first Money Matters Institute of 2026 — an evening dedicated to learning, connection, and financial empowerment. Managing your money wisely is the first step toward achieving your goals, whether it’s saving for a big purchase, planning for emergencies, or building […]

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Money Matters Institute January 2026: Budgeting & Saving

We’re excited to welcome you to the first Money Matters Institute of 2026 — an evening dedicated to learning, connection, and financial empowerment. Managing your money wisely is the first step toward achieving your goals, whether it’s saving for a big purchase, planning for emergencies, or building long-term financial security.

At this workshop, you’ll gain practical strategies for budgeting effectively and growing your savings, plus learn about resources to help you take control of your financial future.

Meet and speak with our participating partners onsite during our resource fair.

📅 Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 815 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60621

Come ready to learn, connect, and take charge of your financial journey.

Register Today!

Thank you to our partners:

  • Ald. Stephanie D. Coleman (16th Ward)
  • Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation
  • Chicago Urban League
  • Wintrust
  • U.S. Bank
  • Transunion

Questions? Visit chicagocitytreasurer.com or email citytreasurerevents@cityofchicago.org.

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]]> Wealth Wednesdays: Breaking Barriers – Women Leading On and Off the Court https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/breaking-barriers-women-leading-on-and-off-the-court/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-barriers-women-leading-on-and-off-the-court Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:47:30 +0000 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/?post_type=mec-events&p=6012 Get inspired by our dynamic conversation with Renee Montgomery (Co-Owner and VP, WNBA Atlanta Dream), Karen Leetzow (President, Chicago Stars FC), Shari’ Nycole (ESSENCE), and more. November 5th at 12pm and 7pm – Virtual Rebroadcast Register here!  

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]]> Get inspired by our dynamic conversation with Renee Montgomery (Co-Owner and VP, WNBA Atlanta Dream), Karen Leetzow (President, Chicago Stars FC), Shari’ Nycole (ESSENCE), and more.

November 5th at 12pm and 7pm – Virtual Rebroadcast

Register here!

 

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]]> Money Mondays: Debt Reduction & Credit Building https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/money-mondays-debt-reduction-credit-building/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=money-mondays-debt-reduction-credit-building Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:43:21 +0000 https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/?post_type=mec-events&p=5900 Secure your free spot at Debt Reduction & Credit Building, a workshop hosted by Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin! Join us for an evening of learning, connection, and empowerment. Learn practical tips for reducing debt and building good credit. Debt can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is the first step to taking control. With good […]

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]]> Secure your free spot at Debt Reduction & Credit Building, a workshop hosted by Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin!

Join us for an evening of learning, connection, and empowerment. Learn practical tips for reducing debt and building good credit. Debt can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is the first step to taking control. With good credit and low debt, you’ll be better positioned to obtain a mortgage, finance a car, or even improve your job opportunities.

📅 Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
🕐 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: New City, 1715 W 47th St., Chicago, IL 60609

Come ready to learn, connect, and take steps toward financial empowerment!
We look forward to seeing you!

Click here to register for FREE today!

Questions? Email citytreasurerevents@cityofchicago.org.

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