Training
Contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center for assistance in starting or growing your business.
You can take advantage of a variety of services–from our growing catalogue of information-packed seminars to our extensive library of business and personal resources–or visit with any of our impressive roster of business advisors.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the United States Small Business Administration, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and our local supporters. So, nearly all of our programs and services are available at no charge to you.
2026 TRAINING EVENTS…
24
February
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9am – 10:30am cdt
No Fee | Online Meeting (Live)
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
26
February
Business on the Move Initiative – Marketing, Customers, and Competition
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6pm – 7pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar
Business on the Move is a community-based business development initiative hosted by the Faith Coalition for the Common Good and the Illinois Small Business Development Center. The initiative is structured to intentionally connect aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to SBDC advising, technical assistance, and resources as they work through the core components of a complete, practical business plan.
19
March
Business on the Move Initiative – Operations, Management & Startup Costs
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 6pm – 7pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar
Business on the Move is a community-based business development initiative hosted by the Faith Coalition for the Common Good and the Illinois Small Business Development Center. The initiative is structured to intentionally connect aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to SBDC advising, technical assistance, and resources as they work through the core components of a complete, practical business plan.
24
March
Grants for Small Businesses
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 9am – 10:30am cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar
The Grants for Small Businesses Workshop is designed to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources necessary to successfully identify and pursue funding opportunities. Participants will learn to navigate federal, state, and private-sector grants while gaining clarity on eligibility and application requirements.
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.
SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US.
