Resources

Aurelio’s Bakery – Local Sterling, IL Business

Sterling’s long-history of entrepreneurial success is proof that the ambition and creativity behind small business success thrives here, and the Greater Sterling Development Corporation offers many forms of assistance and access to resources to area entrepreneurs, additionally there are many federal and state resources available to Sterling’s entrepreneurs. A few resources are listed below.

For additional information and assistance, contact GSDC Executive Director Heather Sotelo at hsotelo@sterlingdevelopment.org.

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College

The SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois, serves Whiteside and surrounding counties and offers advising and guidance to individuals and businesses looking for more information about business feasibility, business start-up, business growth, and business exit planning.

The SBDC also offers a range of trainings and workshops designed for new and growing small businesses. For additional information, visit www.sauksbdc.com.

SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Businesses

SCORE is America’s premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs, offering advice online and in-person. Visit us at www.score.org to find a mentor, enroll in a workshop, or browse SCORE’s Small Business Resource Library.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

DCEO is Illinois’ lead state agency for commerce and economic development. Visit DCEO’s Small Business Assistance page to learn more about state resources for start-up business support, regulations and permitting, how to become a government contractor, growing your business internationally, and more!

U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA provides small businesses with loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance. Whiteside County, Illinois, and the surrounding area, is served by the Illinois District Main Office in Chicago. For additional information, visit www.SBA.gov.

Illinois Finance Authority

The Illinois Finance Authority is one of the largest issuers of private activity bonds in the nation. PABs enable qualified entities to finance their capital infrastructure projects at generally lower interest rates and longer maturities that traditional lending institutions – and to create long-term economic value for communities throughout Illinois. Visit www.il-fa.com for additional information.