Illinois
Illinois
Illinois

Illinois SBDC

Reimagining Main Street

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Whoop Your Axe - Mobile Axe Throwing

Josh and Meaghan Coward worked with the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College who provided resources such as templates, market research, and funding options. "Being new to the business owner world, we had so many things to do, items on our lists to complete, and papers to turn in. Pam  was there to help navigate all of this and help draft our business plan...Not only did this plan have to be completed for loan purposes, but it was also nice to see our future projections on paper. We would have never been able to do this plan without her help, and we are thankful this resource is available to our community." whoopyouraxe.com

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Whoop Your Axe - Mobile Axe Throwing

Josh and Meaghan Coward worked with the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College who provided resources such as templates, market research, and funding options. "Being new to the business owner world, we had so many things to do, items on our lists to complete, and papers to turn in. Pam  was there to help navigate all of this and help draft our business plan...Not only did this plan have to be completed for loan purposes, but it was also nice to see our future projections on paper. We would have never been able to do this plan without her help, and we are thankful this resource is available to our community." whoopyouraxe.com

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Whoop Your Axe - Mobile Axe Throwing

Josh and Meaghan Coward worked with the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College who provided resources such as templates, market research, and funding options. "Being new to the business owner world, we had so many things to do, items on our lists to complete, and papers to turn in. Pam  was there to help navigate all of this and help draft our business plan...Not only did this plan have to be completed for loan purposes, but it was also nice to see our future projections on paper. We would have never been able to do this plan without her help, and we are thankful this resource is available to our community." whoopyouraxe.com

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Whoop Your Axe - Mobile Axe Throwing

Josh and Meaghan Coward worked with the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College who provided resources such as templates, market research, and funding options. "Being new to the business owner world, we had so many things to do, items on our lists to complete, and papers to turn in. Pam  was there to help navigate all of this and help draft our business plan...Not only did this plan have to be completed for loan purposes, but it was also nice to see our future projections on paper. We would have never been able to do this plan without her help, and we are thankful this resource is available to our community." whoopyouraxe.com

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

First Generation Immigrant to Empowered Entrepreneur and Owner of Polished QC

Jessica Monroy Carrillo's family were immigrants that dreamed of owning a business but were unable to overcome cultural and language barriers. When the idea to start her own small business formed, a referral to the Illinois SBDC at WIU QC was instrumental. Not only did she receive the tools and guidance necessary to start her business, she also found the support she needed to overcome her fears as a first generation immigrant and as a young woman. Looking ahead, Jessica is excited to offer quality cleaning services, expand her client base and grow her business.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

First Generation Immigrant to Empowered Entrepreneur and Owner of Polished QC

Jessica Monroy Carrillo's family were immigrants that dreamed of owning a business but were unable to overcome cultural and language barriers. When the idea to start her own small business formed, a referral to the Illinois SBDC at WIU QC was instrumental. Not only did she receive the tools and guidance necessary to start her business, she also found the support she needed to overcome her fears as a first generation immigrant and as a young woman. Looking ahead, Jessica is excited to offer quality cleaning services, expand her client base and grow her business.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

First Generation Immigrant to Empowered Entrepreneur and Owner of Polished QC

Jessica Monroy Carrillo's family were immigrants that dreamed of owning a business but were unable to overcome cultural and language barriers. When the idea to start her own small business formed, a referral to the Illinois SBDC at WIU QC was instrumental. Not only did she receive the tools and guidance necessary to start her business, she also found the support she needed to overcome her fears as a first generation immigrant and as a young woman. Looking ahead, Jessica is excited to offer quality cleaning services, expand her client base and grow her business.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

First Generation Immigrant to Empowered Entrepreneur and Owner of Polished QC

Jessica Monroy Carrillo's family were immigrants that dreamed of owning a business but were unable to overcome cultural and language barriers. When the idea to start her own small business formed, a referral to the Illinois SBDC at WIU QC was instrumental. Not only did she receive the tools and guidance necessary to start her business, she also found the support she needed to overcome her fears as a first generation immigrant and as a young woman. Looking ahead, Jessica is excited to offer quality cleaning services, expand her client base and grow her business.

EXPORT

Ag World International Corp. - The Company that Makes Pigs Fly

Established in 1977, Ag World has pursued opportunities and navigated challenging global markets for decades and has been recognized for many "firsts" in their industry. Even with their years of experience, the company values the assistance they receive from the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. The SBDC-ITC assists Ag World with marketing at different trade shows and meeting new customers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to teach and learn.

EXPORT

Ag World International Corp. - The Company that Makes Pigs Fly

Established in 1977, Ag World has pursued opportunities and navigated challenging global markets for decades and has been recognized for many "firsts" in their industry. Even with their years of experience, the company values the assistance they receive from the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. The SBDC-ITC assists Ag World with marketing at different trade shows and meeting new customers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to teach and learn.

EXPORT

Ag World International Corp. - The Company that Makes Pigs Fly

Established in 1977, Ag World has pursued opportunities and navigated challenging global markets for decades and has been recognized for many "firsts" in their industry. Even with their years of experience, the company values the assistance they receive from the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. The SBDC-ITC assists Ag World with marketing at different trade shows and meeting new customers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to teach and learn.

EXPORT

Ag World International Corp. - The Company that Makes Pigs Fly

Established in 1977, Ag World has pursued opportunities and navigated challenging global markets for decades and has been recognized for many "firsts" in their industry. Even with their years of experience, the company values the assistance they receive from the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. The SBDC-ITC assists Ag World with marketing at different trade shows and meeting new customers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to teach and learn.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Affordable Kicks - Where Hard to Find Shoes Are Found

Summer Saunders and Josh Smith use a number of methods to purchase new, limited edition and vintage sneakers and clothing items that are in high demand. After authenticating each piece, items are sold on their website, through social media and in person via pop up shops throughout their region. With the assistance of the Illinois SBDC at Southeastern Illinois College, they have received no-cost guidance on how to run the business, improve their marketing materials and social media presence, and scout pop-up locations, all which have helped to increase their online followers and grow their unique customer base. Looking ahead, the pair would like to open a store and will continue to utilize the SBDC because "They give great advice!".

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Affordable Kicks - Where Hard to Find Shoes Are Found

Summer Saunders and Josh Smith use a number of methods to purchase new, limited edition and vintage sneakers and clothing items that are in high demand. After authenticating each piece, items are sold on their website, through social media and in person via pop up shops throughout their region. With the assistance of the Illinois SBDC at Southeastern Illinois College, they have received no-cost guidance on how to run the business, improve their marketing materials and social media presence, and scout pop-up locations, all which have helped to increase their online followers and grow their unique customer base. Looking ahead, the pair would like to open a store and will continue to utilize the SBDC because "They give great advice!".

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Affordable Kicks - Where Hard to Find Shoes Are Found

Summer Saunders and Josh Smith use a number of methods to purchase new, limited edition and vintage sneakers and clothing items that are in high demand. After authenticating each piece, items are sold on their website, through social media and in person via pop up shops throughout their region. With the assistance of the Illinois SBDC at Southeastern Illinois College, they have received no-cost guidance on how to run the business, improve their marketing materials and social media presence, and scout pop-up locations, all which have helped to increase their online followers and grow their unique customer base. Looking ahead, the pair would like to open a store and will continue to utilize the SBDC because "They give great advice!".

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Affordable Kicks - Where Hard to Find Shoes Are Found

Summer Saunders and Josh Smith use a number of methods to purchase new, limited edition and vintage sneakers and clothing items that are in high demand. After authenticating each piece, items are sold on their website, through social media and in person via pop up shops throughout their region. With the assistance of the Illinois SBDC at Southeastern Illinois College, they have received no-cost guidance on how to run the business, improve their marketing materials and social media presence, and scout pop-up locations, all which have helped to increase their online followers and grow their unique customer base. Looking ahead, the pair would like to open a store and will continue to utilize the SBDC because "They give great advice!".

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Can't Play the Guitar? Don't Worry, Michael Kuzma's Self-Playing Guitar is Here!

What happens when you mix a love for the guitar with a cup full of electrical engineering skills and dash of tech entrepreneur inspiration? Ask Michael Kuzma, a then college freshman who wrote out his ideas for a self-playing guitar with no real thoughts of where it would lead him. Working with the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University and others and after 6,000 + hours, the Kuzma Self-Playing Guitar is making jaws drop wherever it is on display!

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Can't Play the Guitar? Don't Worry, Michael Kuzma's Self-Playing Guitar is Here!

What happens when you mix a love for the guitar with a cup full of electrical engineering skills and dash of tech entrepreneur inspiration? Ask Michael Kuzma, a then college freshman who wrote out his ideas for a self-playing guitar with no real thoughts of where it would lead him. Working with the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University and others and after 6,000 + hours, the Kuzma Self-Playing Guitar is making jaws drop wherever it is on display!

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Can't Play the Guitar? Don't Worry, Michael Kuzma's Self-Playing Guitar is Here!

What happens when you mix a love for the guitar with a cup full of electrical engineering skills and dash of tech entrepreneur inspiration? Ask Michael Kuzma, a then college freshman who wrote out his ideas for a self-playing guitar with no real thoughts of where it would lead him. Working with the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University and others and after 6,000 + hours, the Kuzma Self-Playing Guitar is making jaws drop wherever it is on display!

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Can't Play the Guitar? Don't Worry, Michael Kuzma's Self-Playing Guitar is Here!

What happens when you mix a love for the guitar with a cup full of electrical engineering skills and dash of tech entrepreneur inspiration? Ask Michael Kuzma, a then college freshman who wrote out his ideas for a self-playing guitar with no real thoughts of where it would lead him. Working with the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University and others and after 6,000 + hours, the Kuzma Self-Playing Guitar is making jaws drop wherever it is on display!

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The SBDC (at Champaign EDC) provided me with the tools I needed to get started...I am now in a position of having to consider how I will grow in my 3rd year: rented commercial kitchen, brick and mortar, wholesale...So many possibilities!

Owner Six Red Chairs Bakery

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The SBDC (at Champaign EDC) provided me with the tools I needed to get started...I am now in a position of having to consider how I will grow in my 3rd year: rented commercial kitchen, brick and mortar, wholesale...So many possibilities!

Owner Six Red Chairs Bakery

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The SBDC (at Champaign EDC) provided me with the tools I needed to get started...I am now in a position of having to consider how I will grow in my 3rd year: rented commercial kitchen, brick and mortar, wholesale...So many possibilities!

Manon Lalonde

Owner Six Red Chairs Bakery

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The SBDC (at Champaign EDC) provided me with the tools I needed to get started...I am now in a position of having to consider how I will grow in my 3rd year: rented commercial kitchen, brick and mortar, wholesale...So many possibilities!

Owner Six Red Chairs Bakery

WOMEN-OWNED

The SBDC team at Harper College is fantastic. Their wisdom, patience, business perspectives and suggestions have given me the guidance I needed to move confidently in the direction I'm going in. I always look forward to my advisory sessions.

Founder Calliope Design

WOMEN-OWNED

The SBDC team at Harper College is fantastic. Their wisdom, patience, business perspectives and suggestions have given me the guidance I needed to move confidently in the direction I'm going in. I always look forward to my advisory sessions.

Founder Calliope Design

WOMEN-OWNED

The SBDC team at Harper College is fantastic. Their wisdom, patience, business perspectives and suggestions have given me the guidance I needed to move confidently in the direction I'm going in. I always look forward to my advisory sessions.

Caryn Mitchell

Founder Calliope Design

WOMEN-OWNED

The SBDC team at Harper College is fantastic. Their wisdom, patience, business perspectives and suggestions have given me the guidance I needed to move confidently in the direction I'm going in. I always look forward to my advisory sessions.

Founder Calliope Design

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Bringing Filipino Foods and Culture to Streator - Dabarkadz Grocery

Four women, all born over 8.000 miles away in the Philippines, found each other on a local social media page and recognized a need for a Filipino grocery store. In their search for information, the quartet found the Illinois SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance and took part in a 4-week GrowthWheel Masterclass, Powered for Growth. The 20-topic tactical plan developed from the course set the foundation that led to additional resources, opportunities, connections, and a successful opening.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Bringing Filipino Foods and Culture to Streator - Dabarkadz Grocery

Four women, all born over 8.000 miles away in the Philippines, found each other on a local social media page and recognized a need for a Filipino grocery store. In their search for information, the quartet found the Illinois SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance and took part in a 4-week GrowthWheel Masterclass, Powered for Growth. The 20-topic tactical plan developed from the course set the foundation that led to additional resources, opportunities, connections, and a successful opening.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Bringing Filipino Foods and Culture to Streator - Dabarkadz Grocery

Four women, all born over 8.000 miles away in the Philippines, found each other on a local social media page and recognized a need for a Filipino grocery store. In their search for information, the quartet found the Illinois SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance and took part in a 4-week GrowthWheel Masterclass, Powered for Growth. The 20-topic tactical plan developed from the course set the foundation that led to additional resources, opportunities, connections, and a successful opening.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Bringing Filipino Foods and Culture to Streator - Dabarkadz Grocery

Four women, all born over 8.000 miles away in the Philippines, found each other on a local social media page and recognized a need for a Filipino grocery store. In their search for information, the quartet found the Illinois SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance and took part in a 4-week GrowthWheel Masterclass, Powered for Growth. The 20-topic tactical plan developed from the course set the foundation that led to additional resources, opportunities, connections, and a successful opening.