SomerCor

09/03/2026

A big SomerCor shout out to Silvia Orozco - celebrating 21 years of service! She is the director of the grant program which, via the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development, has disbursed over $165 million to small businesses making permanent building improvements across the city of Chicago. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to supporting communities through transformational investment.

09/02/2026

The Greater Southwest Summit is September 10th! Register today at https://hubs.li/Q04wkKJt0 to join business, civic, nonprofit, education, and community leaders for this critical conversation on shaping the future of Chicago’s Southwest Side.

SomerCor President & CEO, Manny Flores, is a featured breakout speaker for the Accessing Capital in a Changing Economy session, focusing on the loan and the power of owning commercial real estate vs renting.

09/01/2026

Caring for our furry friends starts with creating a clean, comfortable, and well-equipped environment where animals can feel safe and cared for. 🐶

The U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program is a great option for small and mid-size businesses to buy, build, and refinance their own facility and heavy equipment. The loan offers the opportunity to build equity while creating a space personalized for optimum efficiency, safety, highlighting your brand, and flexibility to grow.

Congrats to the SomerCor team who worked on this project -Eric Bacon, Eugene Lee, Monika Czubiak, David Sommers, and Sue Skinner. Contact SomerCor today to learn more!

08/31/2026

A new round of districts will open for applications in September! Register now at: https://hubs.li/Q04vZVyM0 to join SomerCor and the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development for a webinar on September 2nd at 1pm to learn how to apply for up to $250,000 in grant funds to make permanent building improvements to your small business.

08/28/2026

Preston and Emerson from SomerCor's loan origination team were on hand yesterday at Navy Pier for the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Conference.

It was a great opportunity to connect with business owners about the loan program, to buy, build, and refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate. Own the business? Own the building!

08/27/2026

The latest NFIB small business optimism index rose to 99.8, its highest level since August 2025.

Despite some uncertainty, there are growing expectations among entrepreneurs that business conditions will continue to improve.

For business owners looking to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities, the loan offers an affordable way to buy, build, or refinance commercial real estate. With long-term, fixed-rate financing, business owners can stabilize occupancy costs and invest in their future with confidence.

Contact the SomerCor team today to learn more!

The National Federation of Independent Business said that its small-business optimism index rose to 99.8, its highest level since August 2025.

08/26/2026

SomerCor is proud to support the Cook County Source as a trusted community financial institution!

As part of our partnership, SomerCor launched the Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP) to reduce the upfront costs for small businesses purchasing their first owner-occupied commercial real estate an the loan.

In addition to the SBA 504 program’s long-term fixed, low-interest rate financing, DPAP provides a grant equal to 5% of eligible project costs, up to $25,000, helping first-time SBA 504 borrowers in Cook County keep more capital in their business. Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q04vqRth0

08/25/2026

The loan program is great low-cost way for lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, architects, and other professionals to acquire fixed assets and position their practices for growth. In addition to building equity through the purchase of commercial real estate, owner/operators can use the SBA 504 loan to optimize the layout, ambiance, and amenities of the space to attract top talent and increase productivity. Contact the SomerCor team today to see if the 504 program is the right fit for your business or client. https://hubs.li/Q04vfKMY0

Financing for Professional Services: Three Reasons to Use the SBA 504 Loan Program The SBA 504 loan presents an attractive, low-cost way for lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, architects, and other professionals to acquire fixed assets and position their practices for growth. Service providers....

08/24/2026

Own the business? Own the building! Join us for a webinar on Friday, August 28th at 9:30am hosted by Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, featuring SomerCor's AVP of Communications and Engagement, Kimberly Blair.

The presentation looks at the financial and operational benefits of owning your building. Register at https://hubs.li/Q04v34qz0 to learn about the power of ownership and how the loan makes buying commercial real estate attainable.

08/21/2026

A big SomerCor shoutout to the Chicago Bears Small Business All-Pros, supported by PNC! SomerCor SVP, Eric Bacon, was on hand at Halas Hall to celebrate the nominees.

The Bears created the All-Pros program to support businesses across Chicago's neighborhoods. Selected businesses receive a four-week marketing partnership with the Bears during the upcoming season! Just 23 more days until the Bears take the field! 🐻⬇️