Empowering small business in Chicago’s Southland for over two decades.

Sponsor Spotlight

BMO Bank

Banking

BMO Bank was founded more than 200 Years ago in 1817. The bank is currently the 8th largest bank in North America but believes in supporting the communities in which it serves.

In November 2020, BMO initiated the Zero Barriers to Business Program designed to support business owners who are Black, Latino and/or Female. The program includes access to Education, Local Partnership and Capital in the form of a business line of credit up to $50,000.

Click here to read more about BMO Bank

SSSBA 2025 22nd Annual Summit Awards

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We ❤️ Entrepreneurs!

Congratulations! You’ve taken the first steps in pursuing your dream, starting a business. South Suburban Small Business Association is here to help. Not only do we love entrepreneurs, we love Chicago’s Southland. (It’s in the name!) We’ve been connecting people with resources in the South Suburbs for over two decades. Join us and find out how we can help support your dream.

We Connect People

Listen, it’s not rocket science

It comes down to good old-fashioned networking. We happen to have one of the largest networks in Chicago Southland. The best way for your business to succeed is to network with other people. People who are like you, just starting out, or people who have been-there-done-that. By helping you make these connections, we help your business grow. Simple!

“Great! How are these connections made?”

We’re glad you asked! Like we said, we’ve been serving the Chicago Southland for over two decades. And in that time, we’ve made a bunch of friends. (A few thousand friends!) We host events and invite all of our friends. Friends with businesses big, small and everything in-between. Once we get everyone in a room, the magic happens!

Events

We host events that not only connect you with other people, they allow you to learn and connect with resources across The Southland.

After/BeforeHours

Before and After Hours, we bring experts in to teach a skill, trade or new niche that will benefit your business.

Holiday Party

The Holiday Party is always one of the first of the season, we partner with Aunt Martha's to collect donations to those in need while coming together for some much needed networking!