Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)?
A Small Business Development Center provides no cost confidential advising and training events to help small business owners and potential entrepreneurs make sound decisions for the successful operation of their business.
WHAT SERVICES DOES A SBDC OFFER?
Our SBDC offers a wide variety of services from start up advice, marketing, government contracting, and much more. If there’s something that we can’t help with, we’ll assist you in finding a resource that can.
WHO CAN UTILIZE THESE SERVICES?
If your business, or potential business, is located in the state of Illinois, we can assist you every step of the way. If your business is outside of Illinois, you can find your closest SBDC here.
WHAT IF I'M NOT LOCATED IN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY?
While we do cover a 13 county area in Illinois, we’re happy to help anyone located in the state. However, there may be a Small Business Development Center located closer to you. Find out here!
HOW DO I BECOME A CLIENT?
Easy — register here.
ARE SERVICES ACTUALLY OFFERED AT NO COST?
Yes! Our services are always offered at no cost to you. We do ask that you complete the surveys we send out via email a few times a year to continue utilizing our services.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY ADVISING SESSION?
Our advisors are available to meet with you for one-on-one appointments at no cost. They can assist you in many areas, such as business plan consultation, financial planning, marketing, cash flow analysis, and more. If there is something they can’t help with, they will provide you with resources that can.
ARE APPOINTMENTS HELD AT THE SBDC?
We offer both in-person and virtual meetings. Our advisors can assist you at the SBDC office, another local location such as the Champaign Public Library, on a Zoom call, or over the phone. Our meetings are scheduled for either 30 or 60-minutes at a time.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Unleashing the power of your small business is one click away.
Are you ready to unleash the power of your business?
Contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. We’re ready to help.