Strategic Exceptions Blog

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Entrepreneurship: Business Pitch Competition

By Terrie Simmons / 16 August 2023

On August 16, 2023, we took part in a Business Pitch Competition with Kane County Jail. The pitch competition was an opportunity for the detainees to present their business pitch…

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Job Readiness: Grooming Men for Job Interviews

By Terrie Simmons / 05 May 2023

We prepare re-entry to put their best foot forward in their job readiness search. On May 5, 2023, we hosted free haircuts for the community at Do or Dye Salon…

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Business Financial Essentials Workshop

By Terrie Simmons / 26 April 2023

Be ready for any business grant, loan, or contract opportunity that comes your way! Let’s get your business financial ducks in a row so your business is ready to take…

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EVENT: What’s in the New Infrastructure Bill for you?

By Terrie Simmons / 08 February 2023

100 Minority-Owned Business Enterprises 19 Government & Corporate Partners 14 Volunteers On February 9, 2023 Illinois Minority Business Development Agency (IL MBDA) Business Center 2023 SYMPOSIUM: WHAT’S IN THE NEW…

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Business Credit Essentials Flyer

Business Credit Essentials Workshop

By Terrie Simmons / 31 October 2022

This Business Credit Essentials workshop replay is for new or existing business owners to better understand how financial institutions look at you and your business when applying for any commercial…

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Source Grow Grant

The $10,000 Source Grow Grant

By Terrie Simmons / 20 October 2022

Cook County is offering $10,000 source grow grants for small businesses, prioritizing those owned by historically excluded populations and in sectors hard hit by the pandemic. Applications close on October…

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Silver Spoon Desserts logo

Black Business Owner Tamara Turner to host Grand Opening of Silver Spoon Desserts in Chicago

By Terrie Simmons / 16 April 2022

Black Aurora business woman, Tamara Turner will be hosting a Grand Opening on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 for Silver Spoon Desserts. The Grand Opening will be at 10:00 am at…

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Trailblazing Women in Our Community

By Terrie Simmons / 26 March 2022

A discussion about celebrating trailblazing women from the community, their stories and experiences and hearing their advice to young women today. Our CEO, Terrie Simmons, was so honored and excited…

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Tamara Turner - Silver Spoon Desserts

American Airlines Silver Spoon Hero

By Terrie Simmons / 23 February 2022

Success Story: Tamara Turner founded Silver Spoon Desserts in her Aurora, Illinois, home. Through her passion, she helps create opportunities and change lives of people in her community. You can…

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Open a Brick and Mortar in IL

By Terrie Simmons / 31 December 2021

Ms. Jana came to us because she wanted to take her DELICIOUS candy making to the next level. Since then, Ms. Jana became a certified MWBE, successfully grew her business…

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Toy Drive

By Terrie Simmons / 10 December 2021

The Lewis Simmons Foundation partnered with other local organizations in the Aurora, IL and Batavia, IL to give toys to families 🤍! The partnerships we forged and the smiles we…

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2021 Woodforest Foundry Kickoff

By Terrie Simmons / 02 December 2021

Our 2021 Woodforest Foundry Kickoff was a huge success! Relive this great session and hear from seasoned entrepreneurs who shared their success stories and helped registrants to learn how to…

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