Links:
Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce
815OpenforBusiness – Community Calender
SCORE Upcoming Online Webinars
Growth Dimensions – Entrepreneurship Resources
Other resources:
USBA 7(a) Loans
The 7(a) Loan Program, SBA’s most common loan program, includes financial help for small businesses with special requirements. This is the best option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for:
-Short and long-term working capital
-Refinance current business debt
-Purchase furniture, fixtures, and supplies
Learn more about 7(a) loans here
Nicor Gas: Energy Efficiency Program
Custom incentives are available for projects that are not covered by existing rebates. Incentive amounts are based on the measured and verified therm savings from the energy efficiency project. Eligible projects typically involve improvements to existing systems or processes which result in a permanent reduction in natural gas usage in your facility.
Find out more information here
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.
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 NIU-Rockford Campus every Thursday from 9:30 am to 2 pm. 8500 E. State St. Suite 165 Rockford IL 61108.
- 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).
- At the Rockford Chamber of Commerce every Wednesday from 12pm to 2 pm 308 W. State St. Suite 350 Rockford IL 61101.
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 capital
- Technology development
Lifelong business partners
Read About the New Multi-County Entrepreneur Resource “Compass”
