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Phil Gafka – Insights & Blogs

Phil has been a mentor with us for a minute now and he’s always willing to help where there is need. Perhaps you joined us last summer when he hosted our first ever Lunch-and-Learn on leadership, a quality he demonstrated well then. Phil’s also a writer, and he frequently updates his website with blogs he’s…

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Byline Bank – Insights

Byline Bank’s Insights We all need more “Insight” into what makes a business successful and how to get there. We are proud to highlight our partner, Byline Bank, and their professional insight into achieving financial success. Empowering Employees and Communities Through DEI: Five ways leaders can embolden DEI practices within their organizations Want to Make…

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Giving Tuesday

As we move into 2024, we would be honored to have you engaged with EMPOWER as one of our supporters. Thank you again for your unwavering support; we look forward to staying connected in the future! Insights Archive Insights Archive Select Month April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October…

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GRCC & SBAC Empower | Business Development Program

A New Program w/ The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce Just this morning – as of writing – SBAC Empower, Andrea Reed of The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Lautenslager of Get Looped LLC finalized our discussion on the future Mentoring and Business Building program coming to the GRCC in the Near Future!…

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SBAC Oktoberfest ’23

Oktoberfest war ganz Spaß! (Oktoberfest was really fun!) If you missed our event and would like to contribute to the SBAC, please click on the button to the right.  The SBAC works diligently to advance policies that support small businesses, their employees and the revitalization of neighborhoods. ***The Small Business Advocacy Council has been determined…

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Chicago Women’s Expo – Mentee Shelley Carrillo!

DONATE https://growthzonesitesprod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1735/2023/10/Chicago-Womens-Expo-Beards-Bellas.mp4 After submitting Shelley and her business for the Ultimate Women’s Expo, which has been running strong for now 30 years in Illinois and other cities like Atlanta, Miami, New York to name a few, Shelley has been accepted and now one of the feature vendors! Out of hundreds of vendors, Shelley’s standout and…

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5/3 Bank – Informational Articles

Fifth Third Bank – Commitment to Small Business SBAC partner Fifth Third Bank is committed to the success of small businesses.  Because “small” is a misnomer for driving the economy and creating jobs in local communities as they have a “big” impact. Fifth Third partners with small businesses to provide the lending, lines of credit,…

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Empower Stats!

Empower has been working hard… instagram Over the past 6 months, our mentoring program has blossomed; we’ve been able to help so many Small Businesses! Since January 2023, we’ve seen a 31% increase in our outreach to those in need of help. As proud of we are as our growth, we’re even more proud of…

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Stats for Small Businesses

IL Small Businesses, Did you Know…. instagram Did you know that according to the Illinois Small Business Association, a bit over 98% of the businesses within Illinois are Small Businesses? That means statistically, you can probably name most of the larger IL businesses off the top of your head! So, if you approach a store…

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Welcome Our New BOD Member!

Welcome Sherry Jursa! We’re happy to welcome Sherry Jursa from PNC’s Business Banking wing to the Empower Board. Sherry holds an MBA from Northern Illinois University and a BA from North Central College in Political Science. With over 15 years’ experience in banking, Sherry is a proven professional who strives to provide excellence while meeting…

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