Ready to Get Started?
ADVISING PROVIDED AT NO-COST
Because the SBDC program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Small Business Growth Corporation, our advising services are provided at no cost to you. On rare occasions, fees may apply for training programs, special services, materials, or publications. You will be notified of any fees in advance. SBDC advisors will not accept any fees or commissions from our clients.
I AM AN EXISTING CLIENT
If you’re already a client of the Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois, welcome back!
You can scroll down to “Book Your Advising Appointment.”
I AM NEW TO THE ILLINOIS SBDC
If you are new to the Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois, welcome! Let’s get started…
Are you ready to take action on your business now? If so, we invite you to:
- register with us as a client, and then
- book your advising appointment
On the other hand, if you are still in the preliminary stages and prefer to gather more information before taking action, we invite you to attend one of our free seminars, “Starting Your Business in Illinois”, linked at the bottom of this page.
STEP ONE
New Client Registration
If you haven’t already done so, please complete the account and client registration form utilizing the button below. It will ask for information about you, your business (if applicable), and what type of advising services you are seeking.
STEP TWO
Book an appointment
Using the calendar below, please choose a date and time for your no-cost advising appointment. You can also call the center at 217-522-2772 between 9:00 and 3:00 Monday-Thursday for additional availability.
Book Your Advising Appointment
ADVISING PROVIDED AT NO-COST
Because the SBDC program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Small Business Growth Corporation, our advising services are provided at no cost to you. On rare occasions, fees may apply for training programs, special services, materials, or publications. You will be notified of any fees in advance. SBDC advisors will not accept any fees or commissions from our clients.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION PROVIDED
Unless we receive permission directly from you, we will never share any conversation we have with you with anyone else. We will always ask your permission before discussing your situation with any of our outside professional contacts and, until you tell us differently, we won't even say you are a client. We take this seriously.
When you get your new business open, succeessfully grow your existing business, or add funding, staff, or product lines, we hope you'll tell us. If you'll allow us to, we would love to help you market your business and count you among our many Success Stories!
UNBIASED RECOMMENDATIONS
Illinois SBDC representatives will not knowingly recommend the purchase of goods or services from any individual or firm with which any Illinois SBDC representative has a financial, familial or personal interest. If there ever is a time when such an interest exists, we will point that out clearly.
For example, although Small Business Growth Corporation is our local host, the SBA 504 loans that are their primary service are offered by at least six other Certified Development Corporations to Illinois-based borrowers. We always provide you with multiple options when referring you to outside services.
For the health, safety, and convenience of our clients and staff, we are adding video meetings and phone calls to our in-person events and advising sessions. Most of our training events will now be conducted online, and you now can join us for advising sessions via video-conference, phone, or email. We hope you enjoy this greater flexibility as we work to provide you the professional guidance you need to grow your business.
Attend a Free "Starting Your Business in Illinois" Seminar
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. There are so many things to consider – location, size, number of employees, ownership structure, and so on. Then, there are anxieties and concerns: “Where do I start?” “Am I in over my head?” “Will I make it?” If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help! Attend one of our free seminars via Zoom.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Growth Corp. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of the co-sponsor(s)’ or participants’ opinions, products or services. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
