When you’re ready for more, these free public-education programs pair with your CCR courses. When a resource isn’t made by CCR, the original organization is the source — we link you straight to them.
Money & Credit · FDIC
FDIC Money Smart
Teaches: Banking, budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and how to spot scams — with a small-business version too.
Best for: Anyone building money confidence, families, and first-time bankers.
Start with: “How Money Smart Are You?” — 14 short self-paced games.
Free and non-copyrighted, made by the FDIC. Pairs with CCR’s Personal Credit and Budget tools.
Go to resource ↗
Business · U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA Learning Platform
Teaches: Starting, funding, and growing a small business — planning, marketing, and government-contracting readiness.
Best for: New and growing business owners.
Start with: Open MySBA Learning and pick a “Journey.”
Free courses from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Pairs with CCR’s Start Your Business and GovCon tracks.
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Digital Skills · Google
Google Applied Digital Skills
Teaches: Real digital projects — resumes, budgets, spreadsheets, email, and everyday Google Workspace skills.
Best for: Job seekers and anyone leveling up their computer skills.
Start with: The “Create a Resume” project.
Free, video-based lessons from Google. Pairs with CCR’s Resume Builder and Invoice Maker.
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Jobs & Career · State of Illinois
Illinois workNet
Teaches: Job search, resume help, career planning, and training funding (WIOA), plus local workforce services.
Best for: Illinois job seekers — including right here in Cook County and the south suburbs.
Start with: The Service Finder to locate a workNet center near you.
Free state workforce resources with a Cook County center list. Pairs with CCR’s Jobs section and CDL / trucking modules.
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