About The Center

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College is part of the statewide Illinois SBDC Network and was reestablished in 2017 to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Sauk Valley region.

The center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, with additional support from local partners including municipalities, counties, financial institutions, and community organizations.

​

What We Do

The Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College provides no-cost, confidential business advising to individuals and businesses at all stages of development.

Services include guidance in:

• Business feasibility and planning

• Startup development

• Financial analysis and capital access

• Business growth and expansion

• Business transition and exit planning

Our role is to provide professional advising, not to perform work on behalf of clients. We equip business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions.

​

Training and Workshops

In addition to advising, the center offers training programs and workshops designed to support business owners and entrepreneurs.

Workshops are delivered by subject matter experts and cover topics relevant to both startups and established businesses.

Training offerings are based on regional demand and business needs. If a topic is not currently offered, businesses are encouraged to contact the center to request future programming.

​

Our Mission

To provide professional, confidential advising that supports the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the Sauk Valley region.

​

Our Vision

To be a trusted resource for business creation, growth, and long-term success across the Sauk Valley region.

​

How We Fit Into the Network

The Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College operates as part of a statewide system that includes SBDCs, International Trade Centers (ITC), and the APEX Accelerator program.

Through this network, clients are connected to specialized resources, technical expertise, and statewide support to help businesses start, grow, and compete.

​

Stakeholders and Advisory Partners

The Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College is supported by a network of funding partners and advisory stakeholders who help guide the direction and impact of the center.

 

Funded Partnerships

Our partners help fund the Center to provide no-cost advising services to individuals and small businesses in the Sauk Valley Region!

• City of Dixon

• City of Rock Falls

• City of Sterling

• Lee County

• Whiteside County

• Community State Bank

• Farmers National Bank

• Sauk Valley Bank

• Sterling Federal Bank

• Northwest Illinois Economic Development

 

Collaborative Advisory Board Partners

Our collaborative partners help the Center shape and provide innovative services to our area small businesses!

• Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street

• Morrison Chamber of Commerce

• Oregon Chamber of Commerce

• Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce

• Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce

• Sterling Main Street

• Greater Sterling Development Corporation

• Morrison Area Development Corporation

• Midland States Bank

• Blackhawk Hills Regional Council

• City of Fulton

• City of Morrison

• City of Oregon

• City of Mt. Carroll

• City of Polo

• City of Savanna

• City of Byron

• Village of Thompson

• VisitNW Illinois

• Central Bank Illinois

• TBK Bank

• First National Bank in Amboy