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. For more information about these services, please contact us directly.
Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
The Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC is part of a nationwide network of community-based procurement professionals providing government contracting assistance. Illinois APEX Accelerators helps businesses pursue and perform under contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and prime contractors. Illinois APEX Accelerators support to businesses includes registration in SAM, identification of contract opportunities, help understanding requirements, and preparing and submitting bids. For more information, click here.
Business Incentives in Decatur-Macon County
A variety of state and local incentives are available in the Decatur-Macon County area. Learn more about business incentives here.
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.
Community Investment Corporation of Decatur
The Community Investment Corporation of Decatur focuses on community improvement and capacity building, and is a not-for-profit lender that provides financing to entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop and grow in the Decatur area. Learn more at investindecaturcicd.org.
Thinkwell Makerspace
Thinkwell Makerspace thrives through collaboration and shared ideas. Their goal is to help you unlock your full potential through problem solving, discovery, and skill-building. Layering skills and abilities in a way that inspires creativity will help the community build greater capacity, whether through meaningful professional employment or through satisfying individual passions. Learn more at thinkwellmakerspace.com.
Business Information Center
The Business Information Center assists existing and start-up businesses understand applicable regulations and available resources. Learn more here.
Regulatory Flexibility Program
The Regulatory Flexibility Program provides an analysis on new rules that impact small businesses. Learn more here.
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
A resource for your small business to understand and comply with environmental obligations.
SBIR/STTR Phase 1 Matching Grant Program
Provides matching funds for Illinois-based recipients of federal Phase I SBIR/STTR awards. Learn more.
SSBCI TA Program
The State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance (SSBCI TA) Program supports Very Small Businesses (VSBs) and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI-owned businesses) overcome systemic barriers to capital access by offering targeted technical assistance. The program offers free Legal, Accounting, and Financial Advisory services to help entrepreneurs become fully prepared to access capital, specifically federal loan programs. Learn more here.
INVENT
Venture capital program for Illinois startups. Learn more here.