Rockford area’s resource agencies collaborating to help local entrepreneurs find the most direct route to a profitable business!
News & Events
Upcoming In-Person Classes
3D FDM Printer for Beginners (Classes 1 & 2)
NIU Rockford 8500 E. State St., Rockford, IL
BASICS – MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022
INTERMEDIATE – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022
9 AM TO NOON
*Spanish Assistance will be provided in these classes
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. Participants will be required to follow current CDC policies for masking and social distancing.
Did You Know?
The Chamber offers many ways to promote your business.
Options include The Voice, our website, and our regular publications.
Contact Susan Contrady for details!
Email:
Chamber GAC Features Appellate Court Justice Eugene
Doherty Judge Eugene Doherty, the former chief judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Boone and Winnebago counties, was recently named as a new justice for the Appellate Court’s Fourth District.
He will be speaking at the August Government Affairs Council meeting.
August 12 | Stockholm Inn
Celebrating Wonder in Leadership at Our Annual Dinner with Harris III
Spend your evening hobnobbing among the best of the best – the leaders, visionaries, and get-it-doners of the Rockford region.
Immerse yourself in an evening that will encourage, connect, and fill you up – with good food catered by Greenfire and good ideas.
Our Keynote speaker, Harris III will share his presentation Wonder: The Transformative Power of Wonder in Leadership.
Space is limited and we encourage early registration. Join us, in celebration and appreciation at our Annual Dinner.
September 15 | Tabala Event Center
Seats Are Limited – Grab Yours Now
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Benefits of contacting your local SBDC include:
- No cost, one-on-one, confidential business advising
- Virtual business advising
- Training programs & workshops designed for small businesses
- Professional referral network
- Accessing to capital
- Technology development
Lifelong business partners
Read About the New Multi-County Entrepreneur Resource “Compass”
Testimonials
“Launch815 is helping us to navigate the process of transforming our great idea into a viable, marketable product!”
– Fran Pierce, Pierce Products –
Launch 815 Partners:
