Appointment Expectations
As an Illinois grant-funded organization providing no-cost services, we are required to have our new clients complete a registration process. For new clients, our Administrative Assistant will reach out to you within 3 business days to schedule an appointment with an advisor. They will also be able to give you some additional information on our center as well as provide some instruction for your first initial meeting with your advisor. Please be advised that we are continuing to offer virtual appointments only at this present time for initial consultations.
As an Illinois SBDC client, you can expect:
Advising from an experienced business analyst
Help in developing a clear plan for accomplishing your goals
Objective and constructive feedback about your progress toward your goals
Courteous and equitable treatment from all Illinois Small Business Development Center personnel
Complete confidentiality regarding every aspect of the information we discuss with you
Prompt personal attention from SBDC Service Center management to resolve any problems or complaints about the service you receive
Follow-up contact from SBDC personnel regarding your business’s economic impact.
As an Illinois SBDC client, we expect you to:
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
Be open-minded about alternatives your business analyst suggests
Provide a minimum of 24 hours notice if you are unable to keep any appointments with SBDC personnel
Assist us in the future by providing honest feedback about the quality of service you received from us, by responding to periodic surveys
Respond to requests for information from SBDC personnel regarding your business’s economic impact
New Clients
Required Registration Process
In order to request an appointment, please complete the account and client registration form by clicking the button at the bottom of this section. The link that opens will ask you general information about you, personal contact information, your business (if applicable), and what types of services that you are looking for advising assistance. Once submitted, a member of our center staff will call and/or email you within 1 business day with an emailed link for you to schedule an appointment on our online booking platform, Calendly, at a date, time, advisor preference, and virtual meeting preference for your initial consultation. Please be sure to check your inbox and/or spam folder. If you don't schedule directly within 3 business days via the email link to our online scheduling platform, our administrative assistant will reach out directly by phone to schedule an appointment for you.
Still have some questions before registering? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Returning Clients
Schedule A Follow Up Meeting
Please click the scheduling page below for the advisor you would like to schedule a meeting with again. Please note you must already be registered as an Illinois SBDC Client to request a meeting on this page. If you have not registered as an Illinois SBDC client in the past, it will result in the immediate cancellation of your meeting.