SBND Sponsor, Partner, and Associate Member Opportunities

Strategic Solutions Network, Inc. (SSN) is certified by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) under the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities.

Accordingly, SSN is now qualified to compete for contracts set aside exclusively for small businesses in the State of Illinois.

In 2011, SSN expanded its Professional Social Service Network through the creation of the SSN Small Business and Nonprofit Development Group (SBND) Project.  In 2012 the group was awarded 501c3 nonprofit tax-exempt status.

SBND Mission

SBND is a “self-help” business support network that provides hands-on strategic organization planning, innovation improvement, and fund development initiatives to start and grow prosperous community enterprises in Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago neighborhoods.

Click here to visit our SBND support network website and see the value our group has to offer sponsors, partners, and associate members.

SBND History 

In an attempt to create self-employment and job opportunities, Strategic Solutions Network, Inc. (SSN) created the “SSN Small Business and Nonprofit Development (SBND) Group.”

SBND is a nonprofit initiative designed as a “self-help” project to provide hands-on strategic organization planning, education, training, and financial support through fund development initiatives to start and grow small enterprises. 

Those who are targeted to receive direct benefits from the project include the unemployed, underemployed, low-income populations, displaced workers, ex-offenders, start-up businesses, grassroots nonprofit organizations, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

For more information regarding SBND Sponsors, Partners, and Members click here.

Premier SBND Members

Premier SBND Professional Social Service Network Members include the following:

Dr. Bridgette Adams, D.N.

Dr. Ron Alston

Derby Arrmstead, Kissimni Corporation

Ella Armstead, Kissimni Corporation

Michele Banks, Harmony Nutritionals

Leslie Barnes, Aspiring Entrepreneur

Spencer Bibbs, SPD Digital

Gene Brooks, We Print 4 Less

Aaron S. Caldwell, Super Fuel

Legacy Connections

Patricia Drinkard, Room 103

Laurel Taylor-Dudley, Chicago Area Project

Kathy Edwards, Transamerica Life

Shirley Frierson, Advocates for Veterans & Supportive Housing

Simeon Frierson, Photographer/Videographer

Ruby Gray, Aspiring Entrepreneur

Adrienne Hobbs, Painting Contractor

Olawale Idreez, Africa-US Today

Mary Kaminski, Training Assistant

Samantha Kendall, Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna

Nita Marchant, Strategic Solutions Network, Inc.

Virgil Mathis, Veterans Services

Jill McClendon, Step to Enrichment, Inc.

Latasha Parks, Aquatic 4 Life, LLC

Bob Shemansky, Principal-Owner at RMD & Associates/Architects

Roselyn Shine, Shine on Me Development, Inc.

John E. Smith Jr., John E. Smith Jr. Photography

Richard Smith, Entrepreneur

Peace & Harmony Solutions, Inc.

Lav H. Thomas, Evolv Health, LLC

Ramona Turner, Turner Enterprises

Melody Walson, M.W.O G. Outreach, Inc.

Gerald Young, TraDigital Communication

SBND Honorary Board and Advisory Council Members

Khem Davis, Verizon Wireless​

Shirley Frierson, Advocates for Veterans & Supportive Housing​

Mary Kaminski, Ebay Business Owner​

Edmon Lighthall, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

​Nita E. Marchant, Strategic Solutions Network, Inc.​

Virgil Mathis, Elevision Television

​Dante L. Mosely, Hyde Park Bank​

Yvonne Orr, South-Southwest Suburban United Way

​Eric January, Conduit Investments

Note: Premier SBND Members are also eligible to participate in finance development campaigns to support your small business or nonprofit organization.

However, to qualify for this benefit, candidates must pass a pre-screening interview. Phone (219) 803-1407 or email sbnd@ssncandoit.com to schedule a screening appointment.

Premier SBND Investors

Elected Official Support Letters

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

Mayor Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board of Commissioners

Partners & Sponsors

Accion Chicago

Amata Service Office Solutions

Audubon Chicago Region, Wild Indigo Nature Explorations

Awake with Pearl Coffee Café

Chicago Defender

Chicago State University, Small Business Development Center

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Citi Community Development

Constant Contact

Fifth Third Bank-Hyde Park Financial Center

Genesys Unique Kreations

Guaranty Bank

Harry S. Truman College, Continuing Education Department

Hyde Park Bank

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Information Now Digital Media Group

Office of Illinois State Treasurer

Peace & Harmony Solutions, Inc.

Presbytery of Chicago, Committee on the Self-Development of People

Sam's Gourmet Lasagna

SCORE

South-Southwest Suburban United Way

South Street Journal and Black Wall Street, Chicago District

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership

University of Chicago’s IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship

Urban Match Incorporated

U.S. Small Business Administration

Verizon Wireless

West Point Missionary Baptist Church

WSNR.US Internet Radio

Act Now:

If you are interested in adding your name to our list of professional social service providers, sponsors, or supporters,  go to our Contact Us page, fill out the contact information form, or call  (219) 803-1407.

Additional Information:

For more information on how to become a sponsor, supporter or member call Nita Marchant at (219) 803-1407 or email sbnd@ssncandoit.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.