Small Business Development Center
In January 2023, the Arab-American Business Professional Association (ABPA) reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of its Business Center, a hub dedicated to supporting the local community and residents of the Southwest Suburbs. This achievement was celebrated with a grand opening ceremony in March 2023, which also marked the introduction of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at ABPA.
The SBDC has since become an essential resource for Arab American entrepreneurs and small businesses in Illinois. Established to foster growth, innovation, and economic empowerment, the center plays a vital role in strengthening the community's economic impact. Arab American businesses contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating thousands of jobs annually. In Illinois, these businesses thrive across diverse sectors, including retail, healthcare, technology, and professional services, enriching the state’s cultural and economic fabric.
The SBDC provides a comprehensive range of services to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. These include business planning, financial guidance, marketing strategies, and workshops on leadership and finance. Additionally, the center assists with business registration, licensing, and exploring international markets. By offering culturally relevant guidance and expert consultations, the SBDC empowers Arab American entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, achieve sustainable growth, and make meaningful contributions to both local and national economies.
Cook County Business Source
The Arab American Business and Professional Association is proud to partner with the Cook County Small Business Source to provide enhanced support and resources for small businesses. As a member of the Referral Partners program, ABPA joins a network of Cook County nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering business owners and entrepreneurs. This initiative reflects ABPA’s commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability within suburban Cook County by connecting businesses to vital tools and services that can help them thrive.
Through the Referral Partners program, ABPA plays a key role in advising small businesses to no-cost and providing an array of resources tailored to meet their unique needs. These offerings aim to address challenges such as business planning, financial management, and growth strategies, while also providing opportunities for networking, and professional development. By collaborating with the Cook County Small Business Source, ABPA continues to expand its outreach and impact, ensuring that local businesses have the support they need to flourish in an ever-changing economic landscape. This partnership underscores ABPA's dedication to empowering small businesses as a cornerstone of thriving communities.
National Network for Arab American Communities
ABPA has been selected to join the prestigious National Network of Arab American Communities, an initiative led by ACCESS. This distinguished coalition brings together 34 local organizations from across the United States, working collectively with ACCESS to address a range of critical issues, including social services, MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) initiatives, and Civic Engagement.
ABPA’s role within this network will primarily focus on advancing Economic Equity for the MENA community. This partnership marks a monumental step forward in ABPA’s ongoing commitment to empowering the MENA and Arab American community through advocacy, support, and education.
By joining the National Network of Arab American Communities, ABPA strengthens its ability to influence national policies, build collaborative solutions, and ensure that the MENA community has a seat at the table when it comes to addressing social and economic disparities.
Through this collaboration, ABPA is poised to take its advocacy efforts to new heights, amplifying the voices of Arab Americans and working toward a future of greater economic equity, representation, and community empowerment.
Hire360
The Arab American Business Association (ABPA) is proud to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to expanding resources and support for our community. As part of this initiative, we are creating new pathways for engagement by inviting community members to join the Union, fostering a spirit of collaboration and collective growth.
In partnership with Hire360, an agency renowned for its success in fostering careers within under-resourced communities, ABPA is determined to inspire the MENA/Arab American community to explore the trades as a viable, rewarding, and transformative career option. By bridging the gap between opportunity and talent, this partnership seeks to open doors to stable, high-paying career paths that have the potential to change lives.
Through this exciting collaboration with Hire360, ABPA is leading the charge to connect men and women to skilled trades and apprenticeship programs, equipping them with tools for long-term success. Recognizing the value of coalition-building, ABPA is proud to work alongside organizations like Hire360 that share a mission of empowering Black and Brown communities. By forming these impactful alliances, we aim to create a more inclusive workforce while addressing critical gaps in skilled labor industries.
BACP
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has officially designated ABPA as one of its Neighborhood Business Development Centers, aimed at supporting small business owners.
In collaboration with ABPA’s subsidiary, the Community Retail Association, the initiative will focus on serving as a Place-Based Business Specialist. This role will assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in designated community areas and priority corridors throughout Chicago.
ABPA President Rush Darwish expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating, “This is our chance to finally address the longstanding communication gaps between neighborhood retailers. Many have faced significant challenges in maintaining compliance with city codes. Our proactive approach will focus on consulting with business owners to keep their stores safe, open, and effectively serving Chicago residents.”
In November 2024, ABPA announced the opening of its new location in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 4131 S. State Street. This strategic location provides direct access to approximately 2,000 retail owners in hyper-local neighborhoods. ABPA also partners with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as an SBA host center in Palos Heights, and serves as a preferred partner with Cook County’s Small Business Source.