Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee

Haga clic aquí para recibir este mensaje en español.

The SBDC helps small business owners recognize growth opportunities through planning, promotion and profitability.

We help new entrepreneurs assess the viability of their ideas and navigate the steps to getting their business up and running.

Our services are no-cost, and provided by experts who have years of experience running a small business.

New Entrepreneurs

Starting a Business step-by-step:

Step 1:

Attend our Starting Your Business in Illinois workshop.

This workshop will cover all the basics you need to know, including:

Legal structure options and differences
Financing sources
Lender eligibility requirements
Business plan preparation
Frequently asked questions

This workshop is online, live, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Step 2:

Sketch out a draft of your business plan and financial requirements.

Check out our workshops on topics pertinent to your business:

Step 3:

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with an SBDC advisor to help you with next steps.

One-on-one appointments are available both in-person at our Aurora campus, or online via Zoom

Small Business Owners

No matter what type of business, or how long you’ve been established, we meet you where you’re at.

We can help with:

Financial checkup and profitability (Check out our workshop: Managing Your Business By the Numbers)
Preparing for a business loan
Strategic planning for growth
Marketing Strategies (Check out our workshop: 5 Ways to Make More Money from Your Marketing)
Operational efficiencies and Managing employees (Check out workshops: HR Basics 1 and HR Basics 2)
QuickBooks basics
Buying or selling a business

You don’t have to have a specific problem. We offer general business coaching and accountability to help challenge your thinking and keep you moving forward.

Business Growth Academy

If you are an established business owner, currently generating revenue and looking for help with growth, this 7-week program help you learn:

How do I build a growth-oriented business?
How can I attract and/or retain my team?
What metrics should I use to manage the company?
How should I be planning for the future?

Connect with other business owners, share successes and challenges, discover new resources.

Learn More

SBDC Workshops

Work smarter, not harder! Check out our workshops for Small Business owners that will help you make connections, hone your skills and gain the marketing insights you need for success.

Pre-recorded workshops. Register once, watch any time!

View/Register for any workshops (English or Spanish)

Stay Connected

Request an Appointment

Request an SBDC appointment through the Illinois SBDC website.

Connect With Us

Connect with the SBDC and its clients on Facebook.

Call or Email

Newsletter Sign-Up

If you need a sign language interpreter or an accommodation for an event, please contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (630) 906-4143. A minimum of two weeks’ notice is requested.

The SBDC at Waubonsee Community College is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Check out the Waubonsee SBDC on YouTube!

Succession Planning: Preparing to Retire from Business Ownership

Entrepreneurship & Life: Universal Wellness & Monica Sanchez On GMA

More information on Universal Wellness

Decorate The World: Sister's Party Decor Meets Good Morning Aurora

More information on Sister's Party Decor

Shannon Gutierrez & Wyckwood House On Good Morning Aurora

More information on Wyckwood House

Faith, Family & Soul Food: Ma Maw's Kitchen On GMA

Watch 2021 Hiring and Payroll Tax Law Updates: How will they affect your business?

As of March 23, 2021, the Illinois legislature amended the state’s Human Rights Act (IHRA) and Equal Pay Act in three important ways through Senate Bill 1480. All businesses regardless of size will be adjusting their hiring and payroll processes and considerations.