Illinois Small Business Development Center & International Trade Center
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides one-on-one counseling, technical assistance, training seminars, information provision, networking opportunities, business development and real estate expertise for business owners, startups and entrepreneurs.
The International Trade Center (ITC) provides support in evaluating a company’s readiness to export, shipping and logistics, compliance regulations, international business planning, international trade techniques, export processes, and international market opportunities.
Both the SBDC and ITC are no cost services provided by a partnership between the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur – Macon County and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.
Be sure to download the Starting Your Business In Illinois Handbook – a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
For more information about these services, please contact us directly.
Active Programs and Awards
Looking for a list of active grant programs and funding opportunities in Illinois? Take a look at the links below:
Agency List with Active Grant Programs
Currently-Funded Grant Programs
Current Funding Opportunities
EnRich Minority Mentor Protégé Program
Richland Community College’s EnRich’s Minority Mentor Protégé Program seeks to assist and support low-income and minority adults in the Decatur Macon County Community who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs. Literature suggests that persons who are low-income often have skills, but lack mentorships and tangible connections to capital and resources. Not for lack of ability, but for limited experience and knowledge.
Minority Mentor Protégé Entrepreneurship Program is a curriculum-driven program that builds a cohort and a supportive network for low-income or minority community residents, often first generation, entrepreneurs in this community. The program builds soft and hard-skills, addresses the importance of financial literacy and attaches mentors to each business concept.
For more information, click here.