SERVICES 

All of our services are provided at NO COST to you. Our center is funded by the Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce, and Supporting Partners in our community.

Idea/Concept

We assist clients with their idea or concept and validate it with marketing data available for your geographic area.

Business Startup

We assist clients by helping them start their business, prepare a business plan, and prepare the list of essentials that they will need.

Business Growth

We assist clients by helping them prepare to grow their business with financing options, tools, technology, social media, and training workshops

Exit Planning

We assist clients who are ready to sell their existing business and plan the steps required to sell the company.

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Business Idea/Concept

 

  • Market Research/Feasibility Study - Conduct marketing and demographic research

  • Business Model Canvas Preparation - Prepare basic business model template

  • Entrepreneur Readiness Assessment - Evaluate overall knowledge, skills, attitude, and financial preparedness.

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Business Startup 

  • Form of Ownership - option review, selection, and help with formation

  • Formal Business Plan Preparation - narrative writing, research, and financial forecasting

  • Accounting System/Software - evaluation, selection, and setup

  • Point of Sale System - evaluation, selection, and setup

  • Digital Presence Planning - options overview, selection, and setup assistance

  • Price-Point Planning - competitive review, pricing strategies, and setup assistance

  • Bank Readiness Planning - evaluate/review 5 C’s of credit and 3 F’s of funding sources

 

Business Growth

  • Expansion Planning - strategic review, financing options, business plan development

  • Strategic Pivots - strategic review of operational strategies and opportunities for growth 

  • Business Acquisition & Partnership Analysis - strategic and financial review 

  • Benchmarking Analysis - NAICS benchmark review and analysis

  • Strategic Marketing Review - access digital, social, and traditional marketing strategies

  • Cash Flow Management - review and access options for improved cash flow

  • Quickbooks Online - provide training and assistance, troubleshooting, setup

  • Revenue Stream Analysis - evaluate new and/or revised revenue models

 

Business Exit Planning

  • Exit Assessment - survey of owner’s exit target date, goals, and current status

  • Succession Owner Targeting - assess company personnel, family, and/or associates with buyout interest and potential, advise on buyout structure, plan target approach, create succession owner training & development plan, schedule milestones

  • Business Valuation - advise on business valuation and strategies to increase value

  • Formal Business Exit Planning - assist in developing a formal business plan, financial forecast, and budgeting leading up to an agreed upon exit.

© 2021 by Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. SBA, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Sauk Valley Community College. Additional funding provided by the Supporters of the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College.