Expectations

Advising sessions at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC are scheduled in advance. We regret that we cannot accommodate walk-ins, but we are happy to provide general information on our services. 

Regardless of the total meeting time scheduled, each client is provided a 15-minute window from the scheduled start time of the meeting. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, whether in-person or virtually, the meeting will be rescheduled. 

If you need to reschedule a meeting, please kindly do so ASAP (we suggest at least 12 hours before the start time). 

Following your meeting, we kindly request that you allow up to two business days for any follow-up notes from our team.

SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US.

Preparing for Your First Advising Session

You don’t need to bring anything to your first session—we’ll meet you wherever you are. But if you already have materials or know what you want to focus on, here’s how to get the most out of our time together.

    If You’re Just Getting Started
    Bring whatever helps explain your business idea:
    • A quick summary of your concept—what you want to do, who you’re serving, and how you’ll make money
    • Notes or sketches of your product, service, or menu
    • Questions you want to talk through (business structure, financing, marketing, etc.)
    • Any research you’ve already done, like pricing examples or info on competitors
    It doesn’t need to be polished or finished. We’ll help you organize what you have and figure out what’s missing.
    If You’re Already in Business
    For existing businesses, it’s helpful to bring:
    • Your most recent profit and loss statement, balance sheet, or sales summary
    • Business plan, pitch deck, or grant application draft (if you have one)
    • Marketing materials or links to your website/social media
    • Any financial or operational issues you’d like to work through
    If you’re looking for funding or exploring ways to grow, we might also ask for:
    • Tax returns (business and/or personal)
    • Bank statements or loan details
    • Quotes or estimates for equipment, inventory, or build-outs
    If You Want Us to Review Something Specific
    Planning to go over a business plan, financial projections, or other detailed documents? Please email them to [email protected] at least 2 business days before your meeting. Put your meeting date and topic in the subject line—something like “12/10 – Business Plan Review – Jane Doe.” That way we can review everything ahead of time and give you better feedback.
    What to Bring to Your Appointment
    • Your laptop, tablet, or phone with access to anything relevant; QuickBooks, your point-of-sale system, social media accounts, etc. — you’ll need to log in yourself during the session. For security reasons, please don’t email us passwords.
    • Something to take notes with.
    Bottom Line
    You don’t need everything figured out before we meet. Whether you’re still in the idea phase or already running and growing your business, just bring what you have—we’ll help you with the rest.

    What We Can
    Expect From You

    • Communicate honestly and directly about all aspects of your business 
    • Be respectful and positive with your advisor 
    • Follow through on the work you and your business analyst agree is necessary to accomplish your goals 
    • Assist us by providing honest feedback about the quality of service you received through periodic surveys 
    • Respond to requests for information from SBDC personnel regarding the economic impact of your business

    What You Can
    Expect From Us

    • Guidance from an experienced business advisor 
    • Assistance in developing a clear path toward accomplishing your goals 
    • Objective and constructive feedback about your progress 
    • Courteous and equitable treatment from all Illinois Small Business Development Center personnel 
    • Complete confidentiality regarding every aspect of the information we discuss with you 
    • Timely communication (please allow up to two business days)
    • Follow-up communication from SBDC personnel regarding the economic impact of your business 

    TAKE THE FIRST STEP

    Unleashing the power of your small business is one click away.

    Request No-Cost Advising

    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.