Events

Community Initiatives

Four initiatives we run with partners through the year, each in its own season.

Through the year

Each spring, during the SBA’s National Small Business Week National Small Business Week Free programming with the Village of Oak Park, Dominican University’s Brennan School of Business, and the SBA: expert sessions and one-on-one conversations for owners, residents who own businesses, members, and prospective members.

October Disability Employment Awareness Month With the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, we share insights on the impact of hiring people with disabilities for businesses, job seekers, and their families.

June, and through the year LGBTQ+ Programming & Resources Pride programming, member spotlights, and practical resources for more inclusive local businesses.

On hiatus; returns in 2027 Oak Park NEXT Navigating Employment and eXperience Training matches Oak Park residents ages 14–21 with paid local internships, and prepares students and businesses alike. The 2025 impact report records 13 businesses and 14 interns.

National Small Business Week

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week. Each spring the Village of Oak Park’s Office of Economic Vitality partners with us, Dominican University’s Brennan School of Business, and the SBA on free programming for local owners, residents who own businesses, members, and prospective members.

Dates and registration go on the events calendar when the next program opens.

Disability Employment Awareness Month

Hiring people with disabilities strengthens our businesses, enriches our neighborhoods, supports job seekers and their families, and builds a diverse local economy.

Each October we partner with the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, a branch of Oak Park Township made up of nine residents appointed by the Township Supervisor with the approval of the Township Trustees, to share insights on disability employment.

LGBTQ+ Programming & Resources

We believe all who live and work in our community should have the opportunity to thrive. Our LGBTQ+ programming and resources support LGBTQ-owned businesses and their allies, with Pride programming, member spotlights, and practical guides such as Pride Marketing 101.

Two printed cards on a wooden table: a rainbow-striped Pride Marketing 101 card and a list of six rules for Pride marketing. — Pride Marketing 101, from the chamber’s LGBTQ+ programming.

Oak Park NEXT

Status: On hiatus in 2026; returns in 2027.
What it is: Navigating Employment and eXperience Training: paid internships with local businesses for Oak Park residents ages 14–21.
In 2024–25: 13 businesses and 14 interns, from the 2025 Annual Impact Report.
Questions: programming@oprfchamber.org

Want to take part?

Ask us how your business can join the next initiative.

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