Enjoy Free National Small Business Week Events in Oak Park

Published on April 28, 2026

The Village of Oak Park is proud to celebrate National Small Business Week (NSBW), May 3-9, with a series of free programming designed to support, empower and connect local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Organized in partnership with the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce and the Brennan School of Business at Dominican University, the events are free and open to the public.

The week-long celebration features panels and open houses on topics including resources for women- and minority-owned businesses, small business funding and finance, starting a business in Oak Park and university research and entrepreneurship resources.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Oak Park,” said Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson. “They give our community its distinct character, create local jobs and invest in our business districts and neighborhoods every single day. This special week is our opportunity to recognize that contribution and make sure every entrepreneur in Oak Park knows we are here to help them succeed. I am proud of the programming our Economic Vitality team has put together and encourage all residents and business owners to take advantage of these outstanding free resources."

“The Office of Economic Vitality is actively developing local, regional and national partnerships that will deliver resources to the Oak Park business community and enhance the business climate,” said Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality John Melaniphy. “Our National Small Business Week programming is a tangible manifestation of those efforts. This week is designed to meet small business owners exactly where they are, whether they are just starting out, looking for financing or ready to grow, and by engaging with our expert panelists, attendees can move forward with real connections and actionable information.”

NSBW schedule of events:

Mon., May 4 – Resources for Women & Minority-Owned Business Enterprises

• 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Oak Park Public Library Veterans Room (834 Lake St.)
• This event will feature an introductory presentation by a panel of regional and national experts followed by an open house/office hours format for attendees to connect directly with experts on topics of importance to them and make plans to follow up where needs and resources align. Local speakers include Melissa Mallinson of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and Maura Downs of the Women’s Business Development Center.
• Registration is encouraged

Tues., May 5 – Small Business Funding & Finance

• 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Oak Park Public Library Veterans Room (834 Lake St.)
• National and local finance and funding experts will share their knowledge in a moderated panel, followed by an opportunity for the audience to engage with the panelists as a group and individually if time allows. Preceding the panel, Chris Voirin of Oak Park-based Mindful Motion Physical Therapy will lead the audience in a meditation to center us as we dive into our discussion on a sometimes-stressful topic. Local speakers include Susie Goldschmidt and Stephen Ball of Byline Bank, Chris Griffith of Oak Park Bank, and Doug Swanson of Zoller & Swanson CPA.
• Registration is encouraged

Wed., May 6 – Starting Your Small Business in Oak Park

• 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Village Hall Council Chambers (123 Madison St.)
• The Village will host a panel discussion and open house for those who are considering or are in the process of opening a business here. The panel will include members of Village staff who support local businesses throughout their journeys, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, and local experts on topics such as business planning, considerations for employers, and commercial real estate. Local speakers include Kathie Henn of KTH Solutions and David King of David King & Associates.
• Registration is encouraged

Thurs., May 7 –Small Business Community Resource Breakfast

• 8:30 – 10 a.m.
• Brennan School of Business / Rebecca Crown Library Springer Suites at Dominican University, 7900 Division St., River Forest, IL, 60305
• Brennan School faculty and staff will share information on research, programs, and resources available through the University to local small business owners and their employees. Topics will include an introduction to resources available through Dominican University’s new Center for Entrepreneurship Diversity and Education, information on working with talented (and affordable) business and marketing interns, learnings from a recent local small business survey, and curated AI tools for small businesses.
• Registration is required | Parking information

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3-9, and SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and their contributions to the economy.

About Oak Park - The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.