Resources

B.Y.O.B.

Build Your Own Business

Curated tools, funding, and systems for business owners and entrepreneurs. Save these, share them, and put them to work immediately.

Your go-to hub for building momentum

Everything here is designed to help you move faster: funding resources, mentors, proven tools, and the core systems every business needs. Start with one action today.

Funding & Grants

Awesome Foundation Micro-Grants↗

Monthly $1,000 micro-grants for awesome projects from local chapters.

Backing Small Business (American Express)↗

Grant program supporting small business owners with flexible funding.

Free Business Support & Mentorship

SCORE Chicago↗

Free mentorship, workshops, and templates from experienced business mentors.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)↗

Local advising on business plans, funding, and growth strategies.

Tools & Platforms

Zenbusiness↗

Business formation, compliance reminders, and simple LLC setup support.

Google Workspace↗

Professional email, docs, and collaboration suite to run your back office.

Learning & Development

Google Career Certificates↗

Job-ready certificates in project management, data analytics, UX, and more.

YouTube (Ex: Emma Grede)↗

Founder insights, brand-building, and entrepreneurship case studies.

Systems to Build

Create automated email sequences

Nurture leads and onboard clients with triggered journeys.

Build SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for tasks

Document repeatable steps to delegate and scale.

Build CRM (Customer Relationship Management) for lead tracking

Centralize contacts, pipeline stages, and follow-ups.

Reminder

Start scared, but start anyway.

Pick one resource above, take one action, and build your own business one intentional step at a time. Share this page with someone who needs the push.

B.Y.O.B.

B.Y.O.B. graphic — save or share.