Resources
There are many Federal and State resources that are available to entrepreneurs in Sterling, Illinois. Listed below are just a few of the numerous organizations and opportunities that business owners are able to access.
Federal:
SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Businesses
We are America’s premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs. We offer advice online and in-person at one of our 364 offices nationwide.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA provides small businesses with loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance
State:
Illinois DCEO – Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/
The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is the lead state agency responsible for improving Illinois’ competitiveness in the global economy.
DCEO’s Community Development Fund
Part of the Governor Quinn’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative, starting in November and available until funds are depleted. DCEO is partnering with financial institutions with strong small business lending backgrounds to distribute $5 million in micro loans to start-ups and existing small businesses through the Community Development Fund. More than 300 loans will likely be made to start-up and existing small businesses, which will lead to more than 800 jobs being created or retained over the next two years.
ISBDC – Illinois Small Business Development Center
http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Entrepreneurship+and+Small+Business/SBDC.htm
Illinois Small Business Development Centers located throughout the state provides information, confidential business guidance, training and other resources to early stage and existing small businesses.
Illinois Development Finance Authority
The Illinois Finance Authority provides expert, hands-on support to help businesses get the capital they need for growth.
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network
http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Entrepreneurship+and+Small+Business/
The Illinois Entrepreneurship Network gives small businesses access to experts, networks, tools and other opportunities to transform your business into an appealing investment for lenders. They partner with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a high-growth enterprise.
Contact Sterling, Illinois to find out more about which resources are right for you and your business.