Lauren Gramly Named Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to announce Lauren Gramly as its new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC).
Media Contact:
Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
[email protected]
217-649-2586
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to announce Lauren Gramly as its new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC).
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Lauren Gramly has spent more than 20 years rooted in the Champaign-Urbana community. As Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, she draws on a career built at the intersection of business operations and public service. Lauren holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in English from Boston College.
Lauren’s professional background includes nearly two decades in small business management, as well as five years serving as Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County. Most recently, as Business Specialist at the Champaign Public Library, she provided direct support and resources to local entrepreneurs, including area high school students.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Gramly as the Director of our SBDC,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “Lauren brings a unique combination of small business experience, nonprofit leadership, and deep community connections that make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. Her passion for supporting entrepreneurs, building partnerships, and strengthening our local business ecosystem aligns perfectly with the mission of the SBDC. She will be a tremendous resource for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.”
As the SBDC Director, Gramly is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the SBDC, including client advisory services. She will represent the SBDC program at a local and regional level within the economic development and business communities and collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.
“I’ve spent years working alongside entrepreneurs, and I know firsthand how much heart goes into running a small business,” said Lauren Gramly. “These businesses are what make our communities unique, and I’m honored to lead the SBDC in supporting them. I’m ready to get to work and help connect entrepreneurs across our region with the tools and direct support they need to thrive.”
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is located at 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign. SBDC meetings are by appointment only, and office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Gramly can be reached at [email protected] or 217-478-0069. Visit https://cusbdc.org/ to learn more about the SBDC’s services, resources, programs, and training opportunities.
About the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation:
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that include job creation and retention, tax base enhancement, small business development, and the promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic growth by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts.
About the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC:
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is the host organization to the SBDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC). The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. SBDC services are confidential and provided to hundreds of businesses annually at no cost.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port.
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