One Stop Shop for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economy Opportunity (DCEO) announced today, during Illinois Small Business Week, that it has finalized an agreement with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to host an Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Illinois SBDC at the Chicagoland Chamber will be open for business on July 1, 2011 and will serve as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“The Illinois SBDC network is the first place entrepreneurs and small businesses should go when they're looking to take the next step,” said Warren Ribley, Director of DCEO. “We are excited about the strength and support that the Chicagoland Chamber brings to the network. They will be able to provide more clients with strong support across sectors, as well as exposure to large local and international stakeholders. Together, we can accelerate the results that create revenue, jobs and company growth in Chicago.”
The Illinois SBDC at the Chicagoland Chamber will focus its energies and connections by leveraging the assets of both the Chamber and Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC). Like the other 35 Illinois SBDC locations statewide, they will assist start-ups, along with maturing firms, to build confidence in their product or service. Services will include start-up business planning assistance, guidance on accessing business financing, help with market research and marketing plan development, assistance with developing new markets and linkages to additional resources.
The Chicagoland Chamber will also host the newest designated Illinois SBDC International Trade Centers (ITC). Illinois has doubled the number of SBDC/ITCs over the past year. As one of 11 SBDC International Trade Centers they will help Illinois small businesses identify and pursue exporting opportunities to grow their business and increase their competitiveness in the global economy. A few of the services provided include assessing a company's readiness to export, identification of potential markets and foreign buyers, assistance with export finance options, guidance on export documentation requirements and information on logistics.
“We view the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center as being among the best innovation resources and development assets in this region. The new vision for the CEC integrates perfectly with the Illinois SBDC,” stated Kevin Willer, President of the CEC.
The Illinois SBDC at Chicagoland Chamber will be led by John Roberson, who has been promoted to the role of Executive Director.
“John’s recent experience as Executive Vice President of the CEC will enable start-ups, Chamber Members and emerging companies to connect with experienced firms, as well as create relationships, to engage and grow their companies,” stated Jerry Roper, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
“I see my role as Executive Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center to identify the best and brightest small businesses in our region and connect them to the resources they need to grow,” said John Roberson.
The Illinois SBDC network is funded through a federal-state partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and DCEO and administered by DCEO’s Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology.
Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed June 26 – July 2 Illinois Small Business Week in recognition of the 367,660 small businesses in Illinois. These businesses are the backbone of the Illinois economy, employing 3.8 million people.
More information about the Illinois SBDC network is online at www.ilsbdc.biz. Information about the Illinois SBDC at the Chicagoland Chamber is at www.chicagolandchamber.org.