Rockford area’s resource agencies collaborating to help local entrepreneurs find the most direct route to a profitable business!

News & Events

Rockford SBDC Presents The 1st Annual Robotics & Automatization Expo

Thursday, June 16, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

A-American Machine & Assembly (Event Host)

1665 Elmwood Rd, Rockford, IL 61103

The Small Business Development Center at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to the Annual Robotics & Automation Technology Expo on June 16th, 2022, at A- American Machine & Assembly.

In this event you will find the latest technology in robotic automation, material handling, and innovation.

A group of experts in robotics & automatization will be there providing demonstrations of robotics systems, as well as the opportunity to speak directly with experts and learn about the role automation integration can play in your facility to enhance your productivity.

Who are presenting:

Easton Enterprises
Robex
A-American Machine & Assembly
Nysus Solutions
Pringle Robotics

Who must attend:

Business owners and professionals in Manufacturing, Warehouse, Industrial, Hospitality, Health Care, Retail, Sanitation, Security and more.

Join us for one day packed with information, education, and the opportunities automation offers the manufacturing industry. Refreshments will be available.

How to Find Grant Opportunities for Your Business

Tuesday, May 31 | 1:00 PM ET

The pandemic and economic relief efforts have led to more grant opportunities than ever. This webinar will help you understand the small business grant landscape, where to find funding, and more.

RLDC VetLoan Advantage Program Funding Options

To show its appreciation for the sacrifices our honorably discharged veterans have made in defending our country and the principles we hold dear and share, Rockford Local Development Corporation will pay the Bank Subordination Fee charged to any eligible veteran-owned business receiving an SBA 504 loan from the Rockford Local Development Corporation. Bank Subordination Fees vary based on project size and structure but can range from $500 to as much as $50,000 depending upon the loan size of the participating bank.

Learn More

Cyber and Data Protection Awareness Training

Cybersecurity Guidance For Small Businesses

Small businesses are under cyber and data-breach attacks. This has grown even more true in the last few months given the current climate. Cyber attacks happen every day, and for a small business they can be very costly and cripple business operations. To help provide small businesses with the education and resources to protect themselves, America’s SBDC has developed a national cybersecurity program called North Star.

Visit our website

Small Business Digital Alliance Publishes Library of Free Digital Tools from National Members, Fortune 500 Companies Available to Small Businesses

In addition to the new digital tool library geared toward empowering entrepreneurs to scale their business, SBDA announces additional details of its first National Webinar.

Learn More

3D FDM Printer for Beginners (Class 1 & 2)

Rockford NIU. 8500 E. State St. Rockford IL 61108 Suite 165

WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2022 BETWEEN 9 AM TO NOON
&
FRIDAY, June 17, 2022 BETWEEN 9 AM TO NOON

Register Here

These classes are the first of a series of three that teaches participants the
fundamentals of 3D Printing using FDM printers.

After participating in this class you should be able to:

Know key safety points to safely use a 3D FDM Printer

Understand the basic 3D FDM printer anatomy

Understand basic 3D printing workflow

Understand the different types of materials we can use to make things

Know how to setup and use a basic 3D FDM printer yourself

The training in this class uses both presentation and hands-on participation. Also this class will be live broadcasted in our Facebook & YouTube Channel.
Only 6 participants per session.

Get help starting your business. BUSINESS FIRST brings together all stakeholders to explain regulations for starting your business in Rockford.

At a BUSINESS FIRST session, regulatory partners come together from city and county departments including Building & Construction, Zoning & Permitting, The Health Department, Rock River Water Reclamation District, and The Small Business Development Center to walk entrepreneurs through projects and provide them with information to get their business up and running while answering all of their questions. BUSINESS FIRST operates as a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs seeking to start their business in Rockford, IL.

Business First – Food Truck Webinar

The Business First partners have created a food truck webinar that provides a wealth of information that individuals will need to operate in Rockford. This pre-recorded webinar discusses a range of topics such as health and fire requirements, waste disposal, operation requirements, and licenses.

Watch Complete Video Here

Our Rockford SBDC Consultants will be assisting entrepreneurs in the following locations:

At the Parks Chamber, inside Loves Park City Hall every Wednesday from 9 am to 2:30 pm. (Inside Loves Park City Hall). One on One sessions in Spanish will be provided).
At the Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce every Tuesday from 12pm to 4 pm (One on One sessions in Spanish will be provided).
At the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce (NEW) in Belvidere every Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm (business advice will be provided in English & Spanish as well).