Advising Services

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College provides no-cost, confidential business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Sauk Valley region.

Our advisors work with clients at all stages of business development, providing practical guidance, analysis, and resources to support informed decision-making.

Advising services are delivered on a one-on-one basis and are tailored to the specific needs of each business.

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What We Help With

Our services include advising and support in the following areas:

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Business Planning
Development and refinement of business plans, including financial projections and strategic planning.

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Startup Guidance
Assistance with evaluating business feasibility, selecting a legal structure, and navigating the startup process.

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Financial Analysis and Management
Guidance on budgeting, cash flow, pricing, and understanding financial performance.

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Access to Capital
Preparation for financing, including loan readiness, financial documentation, and understanding available funding options.

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Marketing and Growth Strategy
Support with market research, positioning, customer acquisition, and growth planning.

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Operations and Problem Solving
Advising to address operational challenges, improve efficiency, and support long-term sustainability.

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Training and Workshops
Educational programs designed to support both new and existing business owners on key business topics.

 

Who We Serve

Services are available to:

• Aspiring Illinois entrepreneurs planning to start a business in the Sauk Valley Region.

• Existing Illinois small business owners in the Sauk Valley Region seeking to grow or improve operations

Services are limited to for-profit small business ventures that meet SBA and Illinois SBDC program eligibility requirements.

 

Service Approach and Expectations

The Illinois SBDC provides advisory services only.

Advisors offer guidance, recommendations, and tools, but do not perform work on behalf of clients, make business decisions, or act as legal, accounting, or financial representatives.

Clients are expected to actively participate in the advising process and implement recommended actions.

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Definition of a Small Business

The U.S. Small Business Administration generally defines a small business as an independently owned and operated business with fewer than 500 employees. Eligibility may vary based on industry and program guidelines.

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Cost of Services

Services are provided at no cost to eligible clients due to funding from:

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

• Local partners

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Get Started

To begin working with an advisor, clients must register through our intake system and schedule an advising session.