The annual Inc. Power Partner Awards recognizes B2B companies that provide essential services and expertise to help entrepreneurs and businesses grow

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SomerCor, a non-profit, Certified Development Company (CDC) licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), has been named a 2026 Inc. Power Partner Awards winner, recognizing the company among the leading B2B partners supporting entrepreneurs and businesses across the country. This marks the second consecutive year that SomerCor has earned this national recognition.

The annual Inc. Power Partner Awards honor B2B companies that have demonstrated a track record of helping entrepreneurs and businesses navigate the challenges of building and growing a company. From hiring and compliance to technology, infrastructure, fundraising, marketing, and more, these partners provide expertise and services that enable businesses to operate, scale, and pursue their ambitions.

"Business owners have no shortage of tools at their disposal, and B2B companies need to make clear why their products and services are worth the investment," says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. "The companies on this year's Power Partners list have done just that. They don't just have customers – they have superfans and evangelists. Across industries like marketing, financial services, and technology, they've proved their dedication to helping fellow business owners grow and succeed."

The recognition comes during another milestone year for SomerCor. In 2026, the organization's SBA 504 loan portfolio reached a record high, surpassing 950 active loans valued at more than $560 million for the first time. These milestones reflect SomerCor's continued growth and commitment to expanding access to affordable, long-term financing that helps small businesses purchase commercial real estate, invest in equipment, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

SomerCor also enhanced its efforts to make commercial property more attainable for small businesses looking to transition from renting to ownership through the launch of its Down Payment Assistance program (DPAP), supported by Cook County and in collaboration with the Cook County Small Business Source. The program provides eligible first-time commercial property owners in Cook County, Illinois with financial assistance to help reduce the upfront equity required to purchase owner-occupied real estate through the SBA 504 loan program. By addressing a key barrier to ownership, DPAP helps entrepreneurs build equity, establish long-term business stability, and create opportunities for generational and community wealth.

"Receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust that small business owners and our partners place in SomerCor," said Manuel Flores, President & CEO of SomerCor. "Our work is about more than providing financing. It's about helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams of ownership, create jobs, and build lasting wealth for their families and communities. We are grateful to our borrowers, lending partners, and economic development collaborators who share that commitment and make this work possible every day."

For more information on Inc.'s Power Partner Awards or to view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards.

About SomerCor
The SomerCor mission is to grow businesses, create jobs, and increase impactful investment in every community through the SBA 504 loan program and other financing and grant initiatives. SomerCor serves the entire state of Illinois, Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin, and Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties in Indiana.

About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Media Contact: Kimberly Blair// (312) 360-3330 // kblair@somercor.com 

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SOURCE SomerCor