Empowering Chicagoland Small Business: The 2025 CEO Symposium

Empowering Chicagoland Small Business: The 2025 CEO Symposium

By Paul Lopez, Old National Community Development Manager

Small businesses are hard pressed, between the impacts of tariffs and a slowing economy, creating financial sustainability and capital access issues moving into the second half of 2025.

Old National Bank is assisting small businesses in Chicagoland through a partnership with the Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH), hosting the CEOs and leadership of small business to discuss how collaboration between and among small business leaders, nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions can strengthen the financial capacity of small business owners -- all while fostering healthier communities.

The CEO Symposium

Our third annual CEO Symposium this past May saw 67 community leaders from across industries and neighborhoods gather for dialogue, collaboration, and action aimed at strengthening the financial capacity of small businesses and fostering healthier, more resilient communities. The event was held at The Hatchery, a unique business incubator space on the West Side of Chicago.

Small businesses play a critical role in community investment and generational wealth building. The partnerships we make between nonprofits, government and education entities, and the private sector unlock resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout the Chicagoland area.

The recent CEO Symposium focused on several core themes:

• Access to Capital -- Identifying and expanding funding opportunities for small businesses.
• Workforce Development -- Connecting employers with training and talent pipelines.
• Financial Education -- Promoting financial literacy as a foundation for business success.
• Housing as a Catalyst -- Exploring how stable housing supports economic mobility and community investment.

Through the CEO Symposium, Old National provides valuable information on available lending programs, grants, technical assistance, and housing-related resources that support not only business owners, but also their employees and customers.

Featured speakers and panel discussion participants at this year's event included:

• Ivan Capifali -- Commissioner, Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, who shared insights on citywide initiatives and regulatory support for small businesses.
• Manny Flores -- President & CEO, SomerCor, who provided a national lens on small business challenges and opportunities in accessing capital.
• Bola Delano -- Illinois Office of the Comptroller, who emphasized the importance of financial literacy.
• Brad McConnell -- Allies for Community Business, who highlighted how local businesses are building generational wealth.
• Anissa' Jones -- Employment and Employer Services, who discussed workforce development and financial tools.
• Shelly Christian -- Old National Bank, who spoke on the role of strong financial foundations and ONB's available resources for small businesses and individuals.

Key Takeaways

This year's symposium concluded with four key action steps to drive continued progress for small businesses and the communities they serve:

1. Critical Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration across lending institutions, small businesses and workforce development organizations.
2. Community Visibility: Increase the presence of financial institutions, and opportunities for small businesses, in underserved neighborhoods.
3. Financial Literacy: Expand access to education and tools that empower small business owners.
4. National Context: Advocate for broader safety nets and resources to support small business independence.
   
   

Impact on Chicagoland Small Businesses

For small business owners in the region, the annual CEO Symposium offers more than just information - it provides a roadmap for growth, resilience, networking, and community impact. "I found the conversation very enlightening, and I was introduced to some new people and organizations that I want to build connections with to serve entrepreneurs throughout the city," commented one participant.

By aligning resources across sectors and emphasizing the interconnectedness of housing, education, and entrepreneurship, the annual CEO Symposium underscores the power of collective action in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous Chicagoland.

For more information on the CEO Symposium, or on Old National's lending and support resources for small businesses, go to the Old National websiteor contact Old National Community Development Manager Paul Lopez at paul.lopez@oldnational.com.

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