SBDC Day recognizes the success and effect of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) for small businesses and economic development. Approximately 1,000 SBDCs in the country will share their success stories through social media, public relations initiatives, and several events online. This year's SBDC Day will be on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. For more information, check out the official SBDC website.  

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will celebrate Women's HERstory Month throughout March 2022. DCEO, through its Offices of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Regional Economic Development (RED), will present virtual events featuring business resources and advice from women leaders, recognize women-owned businesses throughout the state, and showcase our commitment to investing in women. Please join us as we celebrate and elevate HER in Illinois!

Expanding Access to Capital in Illinois: How Illinois Financial Institutions can drive profit and purpose through the Illinois Advantage Illinois Loan Program

Date/Time: March 23, 2022 11:00 pm

Presented by: Mark Schultz and John Hill, Advantage Illinois Team

Hosted by: Sal Garza, DCEO West Central Region Manager

Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a conversation around how local financial institutions can partner with the State of Illinois to drive small business growth and access to capital for minority owned businesses. Advantage Illinois provides low interest loans to small businesses in Illinois for start-up costs, working capital, equipment and inventory. Learn how your bank can participate in this program using your own underwriting standards and loan processes. Through the American Rescue Plan, the State Small Business Credit initiative (SSBCI), recently received an increase in funding to help bolster access to capital in Minority Communities, the only way we can be successful is through a robust banking network. Register today.

SBDCs offer a variety of services, training, and information to help businesses start-up and grow. Find an SBDC near you to learn more.  

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses expand into work with government contracting. For more information, find a PTAC near you.  

Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources for small businesses:  

• Start a Business Guide  
• Benefits of Starting a Business  
• What to Know Before You Start Your Business  
• What to Do Before You Start a Business  
• Get Going on Your Small Business  
• Running Your Business  
• Find Employee Based Training  
• Building an Online Presence for Your Business  
• Growing Your Business  
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business  
• 4 Ways to Grow a Local Family Business  
• Recruiting & Hiring  
• Employer Hiring Credits 

Join the Conversation 

Join the Illinois #SBDCDay Celebration on March 16, 2022 by following #SBDCday on your favorite social media channel and join the conversation by sharing your SBDC small business success story. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To learn more about what your local SBDC is doing to celebrate, Find Your Local SBDC. 

Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about SBDC Day:  

• Facebook  
• Twitter  
• LinkedIn  
• YouTube