2020 - Elgin Community College reopens Small Business Development Center

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (Illinois SBDC) at Elgin Community College has recently reopened. The Illinois SBDC has provided no-cost business advising to existing and prospective business owners in the community for over 30 years. While the campus is closed to the public, services are currently being offered online. The center is located in the University & Business Center, Building E, at ECC’s 1700 Spartan Drive campus.

“These are trying times for businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those who are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ECC President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM. “The re-opening of the Illinois Small Business Development Center presents another opportunity for ECC to serve the community. We look forward to helping businesses navigate this challenging time by providing up-to-date information and access to a range of resources.”

From start-ups to established businesses, the Illinois SBDC at ECC can help clients build a business plan, research financing, develop sales process, or create an exit strategy. Clients get one-on-one attention from a business analyst, as well as invitations to workshops and trainings from staff or outside vendors and access to resources and partnerships throughout the region.

“The benefits of using a local SBDC are enormous,” said Sara Troyer, director and business analyst at ECC’s SBDC. “Clients get objective third-party feedback, financial insights, and save time and money while developing or scaling up their businesses.”

Additionally, the Illinois SBDC can help with COVID-19 response plans, from assistance in navigating federal and state relief programs, debt restructuring, HR planning, and short- or long-term strategies to weather the current economy.

Visit elgin.edu/sbdc for more information on the free assistance and other services provided by the Illinois SBDC at ECC. Businesses can register at ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup to access resources.