BLEND Program (Cohort 2.1)

 

The Oak Park Black & Latine Business Support Network — known as BLEND — is more than a program. It’s a movement.

BLEND stands for Black and Latine Entrepreneurship, Networks, and Development — a name that reflects our core mission: to support, connect, and grow Black and Latine-owned businesses right here in Oak Park.

Designed to uplift and invest in the brilliance of these entrepreneurs, BLEND brings together both emerging and established business owners to build a stronger, more inclusive local economy. Through expert-led sessions, peer collaboration, and practical resources, BLEND delivers the knowledge, community, and momentum that drive real business success — now and into the future!

Cohort 2 focuses on Established Businesses. These sessions will be held monthly in the evenings. Below are the dates and times:

1. Navigating Oak Park’s Economic Vitality Infrastructure - 9/10/25
○ Advanced insights into how to engage with village government and local
institutions for business growth.

2. Getting Your Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification - 10/8/25
○ The process and benefits of becoming a certified MBE.

3. Advanced Marketing Strategies - 11/12/25
○ Exploring new platforms and approaches to expand brand reach.

4. Human Resources: Talent Retention & Leadership - 12/10/25
○ Strategies for retaining top talent and fostering a strong workplace culture.

5. Financial Planning for Growth - 1/14/26
○ Advanced financial management, including securing capital for expansion.

6. Communications: Managing Business Reputation - 2/11/26
○ Strategies for maintaining and enhancing a business’s public image.

7. Operations: Scaling & Expanding Your Business - 3/11/26
○ How to scale operations, increase efficiency, and enter new markets.