Builders Avenue

06/12/2026

Discover how Chicago's leading projects are building green.
The Illinois Energy Efficiency Showcase brings together the buildings and decision-makers shaping Chicago's clean energy future. Three case studies from real projects - Willis Tower, 340 on the Park, Brainerd Senior Housing - showing how energy efficiency, decarbonization, and smart capital planning work together.

For contractors: this is where the retrofit market is heading.
For lenders and funders: this is where diverse contractors can position themselves.
For service providers: this is where the ecosystem connects.

June 18 | 1:30–6:00 PM | 320 S Canal - The Platform Conference Center
Register → https://bit.ly/4xIKQU7

06/11/2026

The most rewarding part of our mission is watching local contractors break through barriers and unlock their true potential. But we can't do it alone, and that's what makes our partnership with Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC) so special.

GAC is a certified CDFI lender that steps up for Illinois and Indiana small business owners with flexible funding and dedicated technical assistance.

What makes this work so meaningful is seeing the direct impact on our neighborhoods. By combining BAV’s back-office training with GAC’s financial resources, we are helping local, diverse builders take on larger projects, stabilize their firms, and create jobs right here at home.

👇 Drop a comment below or send us a DM to learn how the BAV x GAC ecosystem can support your journey.

06/08/2026

Join the Polsky Exchange and Working Credit for free 45-minute credit-building workshops designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how to strengthen your credit, avoid scams, and open doors to new opportunities!

Builders Avenue participants: Can get up to 12 months of FREE personal credit coaching!

📅 Workshop Dates:
June 3, 2026: Credit Building Workshop
June 17, 2026: Credit Building Workshop
July 1, 2026: Credit Building Workshop

Link - https://bit.ly/polskyevent

Attend in person or virtually - pick the date that works best for you!

06/04/2026

Builders Avenue is proud to spotlight the entrepreneurs, contractors, and small businesses helping shape stronger communities every day.

Meet Laura from . Builders Avenue is grateful for your partnership!

Support small businesses. Support community growth. 🤝

Entrepreneurship

06/04/2026

Federal contracting set-asides exist specifically for minority-owned and women-owned construction businesses. MBE. WBE. DBE. But most contractors never pursue the certifications that unlock them.
It's not complicated. It's just a process most people don't know how to navigate.
We help you get certified. We help you understand what "bid-ready" actually means. Then you bid on work that was always there.
That's it. That's the move.

05/28/2026

Our partners at Allies for Community Business are hosting a free webinar on June 9th at 11:00 AM CT to show you exactly how to become WBE or MBE certified. Register below!

Becoming WBE or MBE certified can help a business owner qualify for contracts offered by some of Chicago’s largest institutions.

On our next free coaching webinar, A4CB Senior Business Coach Leticia Segura will review the specific steps needed to become WBE or MBE certified, additional criteria that institutional buyers are seeking, and the role that A4CB plays in helping connect small businesses with institutional buyers. Register: https://loom.ly/lQuJOsU

05/27/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we're shifting the conversation away from crisis toward what sustains us - the moments that make the work meaningful.
Comment below. Share your moment. We want to hear it.

"

05/20/2026

Cook County Source empowers small businesses across Cook County with:
Free one-on-one expert business advising
Tools and resources to help businesses thrive
Events offering key insights and connections
Access to financing opportunities

With a special focus on women, people of color, and microbusinesses, they’re driving real impact in our local economy.

Thank you for championing entrepreneurs and strengthening our business community! Learn more at cookcountysmallbiz.org.

05/11/2026

We're highlighting the 3rd Annual Small Business Breakfast hosted by our partners at the Southland Development Authority - an event for construction entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to leverage business growth into real estate ownership.

Event Details:
📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 The Lyric Theater, 12952 Western Ave, Blue Island
🎟️ Tickets: $25 (Ticketed event)
Link - https://events.blackthorn.io/en/DnDDxTw7/bridge-the-gap-to-ownership-leveraging-up-trough-business-and-real-estate-5a2KS6AVPfV/overview

See you there.

05/08/2026

Cook County entrepreneurs trust The Source, and they're spreading the word.
Now it's your turn! No-cost business advising is available to all Cook County-based businesses.

Get started today at cookcountysmallbiz.org