Fellmonger Fresh, an artisanal cottage bakery specializing in naturally leavened sourdough breads, pastries, and fresh-brewed canned tea and coffee.

Mike Gasca is the proud new owner of Lanark Body Shop, a place he’s called his work home since 2017. Over the years, Mike has gotten to know the ins and outs of the shop, its customers, and the community – making his transition from employee to owner a natural next step. Mike is ready to grow Lanark Body Shop and keep serving the community he cares about. Challenge: As a first-time business owner, Mike needed guidance on navigating the purchasing options and operational and

Inked Maiden Books is committed to improving access to books and gifts in the Mendota community. This delightful shop showcases a wide variety of popular titles, works by local authors, and thoughtful gifts suitable for every occasion, including seasonal offerings. Nestled in the heart of downtown Mendota, Inked Maiden Books stands out as a unique destination, featuring a carefully curated selection of literary treasures, distinctive gifts, and charming book-themed merchandis

Better Bargains Dixon LLC in Dixon, Illinois has a goal of helping local customers find affordable home improvement and home essential goods, and owners Debbie & Chris Robertson pursued a major step forward by purchasing an existing operation and relocating it to better serve the Sauk Valley region. Challenge: Debbie & Chris needed to move quickly from “idea” to a lender-ready purchase and launch plan. That meant building a clear business narrative, tightening projections u

The Early Years Academy in Morrison, Illinois provides child care services for local families, and owner Jennifer “Jenny” Humphrey pursued a major growth step by acquiring the facility to strengthen long-term business stability. Challenge: The Early Years Academy provides child care services for families across the Morrison area, and owner Jennifer “Jenny” Humphrey reached an important growth moment—transitioning from leasing to facility ownership to strengthen long-term sta

For Alec Borell, cars have always represented more than just transportation—they symbolize craftsmanship, reliability, and pride in honest work. In 2025, Alec decided to take his years of mechanical experience and turn it into a full-fledged business. The result was Borell Automotive, a professional auto repair and maintenance shop built on integrity, skill, and a commitment to treating every customer like family. Challenge: Alec had the technical expertise and dedication to