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  • Why does the Center mostly offer virtual meetings?
    At the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College, our mission is to provide accessible, efficient, and high-quality business support services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. To better serve our large territory of communities and accommodate diverse needs, we predominantly offer virtual consultations. Why Virtual Meetings? We’ve adopted a virtual-first approach for several key reasons: ✅ Convenience & Accessibility – Business owners can connect with our advisors from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel and allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling. Additionally it has been proven to lower our cancellation and no-show rates, which further helps us meet our state metrics. ✅ Expanded Reach – By meeting virtually, we can serve more clients across our region without geographical limitations. Expert advice is just a click away. ✅ Efficient Use of Resources – Virtual meetings reduce wait times, allowing us to serve more businesses in a timely manner while reducing preparation times between clients. ✅ Safety & Health Considerations – During the winter months, virtual meetings provide a safe and comfortable environment for both clients and advisors. ✅ Enhanced Support Tools – Our virtual platform allows for real-time document sharing, screen presentations, and interactive discussions, making consultations more productive. We work on business plans and other applications that is often more difficult to execute in an office environment. Need an In-Person Meeting? While virtual meetings are our primary method of consultation, we understand that some situations require face-to-face discussions. If an in-person meeting is necessary, please contact us to discuss availability and scheduling.
  • Do you accept walk-in appointments?
    No. There is a significant demand for our no-cost services and since all of our appointments are scheduled, we may not be able to assist you or be available on campus at the time that you visit the center. We strongly urge you to reach out to schedule an appointment first.
  • Why do I need to register as a client before scheduling an appointment?
    As a grant funded organization, our partners require that we collect some basic information about you and your business, along with signing our confidentiality agreement which prevents our Center Staff from sharing any information you provide to us or revealing your client status with any third party without your written consent.
  • Are your services truly no-cost?
    Yes! We are a grant funded organization in partnership with the Small Business Administration, The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Sauk Valley Community College, and Local Community Stakeholders of the Center.
  • Do you work with not-for-profit companies?
    No. Unfortunately due to the nature of our grant with the SBA and the Illinois Department of Commerce, we are only able to provide advising assistance to for-profit ventures only. Reasons SBDCs Cannot Assist Non-Profits: Funding Restrictions: SBDCs receive federal and state funding specifically designated for for-profit businesses. They must comply with SBA guidelines, which prioritize economic impact through job creation and business expansion in the for-profit sector. Mission & Scope: The focus of SBDCs is to support entrepreneurs, business owners, and startups in areas like business planning, marketing, funding strategies, and operations—typically within the for-profit space. Non-profits have different financial models, legal structures, and funding sources (such as grants and donations), which are outside the expertise of SBDCs. Alternative Resources Available for Non-Profits: SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is an SBA-affiliated organization that provides free mentoring and guidance for both for-profit and non-profit entities. Unlike SBDCs, SCORE has volunteer mentors with experience in non-profits, including board development, fundraising, and grant writing.
  • Are there many grant programs available for new and existing small business owners?
    Not typically. Many grant programs are often narrowly focused on specific business types or industries. In addition, there are often very few programs published throughout the year at the State/Federal level. However, there are some grant programs published by various companies on occasion that are available to small business owners. We recommend subscribing to our monthly newsletter to stay posted on any potential grant programs that we are aware of in the near future.
  • Is the information that I share with your staff confidential?
    Yes! We cannot reveal your client status or share any information that you provide to us to any third party unless you provide written consent. When you first register as a client of our center, you will sign a confidentiality agreement, which the excerpts of the agreement states the following: "The SBDC will not provide your personal information to outside entities. I further understand that SBA resource partner counselors have agreed not to: (1) recommend goods or services from sources in which the individual counselor has an interest; and (2) accept fees or commissions developing from any SBA resource partner counselors."
  • Is there a limit to the number of times that I can meet with my advisor?
    No, you can meet with your advisor as many times as you would like to accomplish your business aspirations and goals. We seek to be a long-term resource for our clients at every stage of business development!
  • How do I know If the SBDC will be able to assist me with my request?
    Our team of advisors has a ton of small business experience, along with commitment to ongoing continuing education each year. We also have connections to multiple resources if we are unable to assist with a particular request. Reach out to us, and if we don't have the answer, we likely know someone in the area who does!
  • My company is struggling in a changing marketplace. Can you help us stay relevant?
    Yes! Our team can advise you on your specific situation and can help you develop an action plan to grow your company! Our Center also has access to market research for all industries and can help you identify current trends.
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