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Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College
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Spotlight on Business Success in the Sauk Valley Region of Illinois!
At the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Sauk Valley Community College, our greatest achievements are the successes of our clients. From startups to growing businesses, we are proud to share the inspiring stories below of entrepreneurs who have turned challenges into opportunities with the help of SBDC advising, tools, and resources. Each featured success story is shared with written permission from our clients, who have provided releases to highlight their journey. These stories showcase the innovation, determination, and growth that small businesses bring to our local communities.
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Inked Maiden Books
Inked Maiden Books is committed to improving access to books and gifts in the Mendota community. This delightful shop showcases a wide variety of popular titles, works by local authors, and thoughtful gifts suitable for every occasion, including seasonal offerings. Nestled in the heart of downtown Mendota, Inked Maiden Books stands out as a unique destination, featuring a carefully curated selection of literary treasures, distinctive gifts, and charming book-themed merchandis
Sauk SBDC
Better Bargains Dixon
Better Bargains Dixon LLC in Dixon, Illinois has a goal of helping local customers find affordable home improvement and home essential goods, and owners Debbie & Chris Robertson pursued a major step forward by purchasing an existing operation and relocating it to better serve the Sauk Valley region. Challenge: Debbie & Chris needed to move quickly from “idea” to a lender-ready purchase and launch plan. That meant building a clear business narrative, tightening projections u
Sauk SBDC
The Early Years Academy
The Early Years Academy in Morrison, Illinois provides child care services for local families, and owner Jennifer “Jenny” Humphrey pursued a major growth step by acquiring the facility to strengthen long-term business stability. Challenge: The Early Years Academy provides child care services for families across the Morrison area, and owner Jennifer “Jenny” Humphrey reached an important growth moment—transitioning from leasing to facility ownership to strengthen long-term sta
Sauk SBDC
Borell Automotive
For Alec Borell, cars have always represented more than just transportation—they symbolize craftsmanship, reliability, and pride in honest work. In 2025, Alec decided to take his years of mechanical experience and turn it into a full-fledged business. The result was Borell Automotive, a professional auto repair and maintenance shop built on integrity, skill, and a commitment to treating every customer like family. Challenge: Alec had the technical expertise and dedication to
Sauk SBDC
Life of Lyrics Music
Life of Lyrics Music is a faith-based music publishing and media company that creates, distributes, and licenses original music and related content. The company also provides services such as songwriting courses, performances, gigs, music licensing, and music industry resources. Yvette Huntley’s mission is to inspire, enlighten, and introduce audiences to Christ through music and media, while addressing life’s complexities in a relatable and authentic way. Challenge: In Septe
Sauk SBDC
Brave Arts Creative Studio
Brave Arts Creative Studio LLC is a creative arts studio located in Dixon, Illinois. The business was founded by Nora Reuter, an artist and educator with more than 20 years of experience working with youth and families. Nora envisioned a welcoming, community-centered studio that offers accessible, hands-on creative experiences for children, families, and individuals, filling a clear gap in the local market for affordable and engaging arts programming. Challenge: Nora first
Sauk SBDC
Dittmar Farms
Dittmar Farms and Orchard has been family-owned since 1854, with six generations dedicated to preserving its legacy. Today, the Dittmar family cultivates and sells pumpkins, apples, sweet corn, and popcorn, continuing a proud tradition into its sixth generation. Mike and Jonna saw the need to expand from a seasonal to a year-round business by introducing their products to a local grocery chain at 11 of its locations. Challenge: In May 2025, Mike sought guidance on writing
Sauk SBDC
The Railside
Amber and Nathan Kuster recognized that The Railside in Nelson held significant potential for growth and revitalization. They envisioned...
Sauk SBDC
Madi-Do Flowers
For Madison “Madi” VanZuiden, flowers have always been more than a business—they’re a way to connect, uplift, and celebrate life’s most...
Sauk SBDC
Flynnie's Kitchen
After a brief hiatus, beloved local restaurateurs Michael and Cynthia Flynn are thrilled to announce the opening of Flynnies Kitchen,...
Sauk SBDC
Primo's Bar & Grill
After acquiring over 15 years of experience in the food service industry, Edgar had a dream of starting and owning a family-run restaurant in Sterling! Challenge: Edgar presented to the Illinois SBDC in July 2024, where he sought assistance in starting a restaurant in Sterling. As with having prior experience in the food service industry, Edgar understood the daily operations of a well-functioning restaurant. Still, he needed to confirm how to register as a formal business w
Sauk SBDC
Miss Molly's Music Studio
Molly Ingersoll is committed to enriching the local community through music education and fostering a lifelong love for music. Her background in music education and performance provides a personalized and supportive learning environment for students of all ages. Ingersoll's approach focuses on engaging and enjoyable lessons, catering to each student's unique needs and interests. Her studio is designed to be a welcoming space where students can develop their musical skills and
Sauk SBDC
Brian's Precision Ag
Brian Carr recognized the agricultural community's need to enhance resource utilization and profitability by offering tailored drone-based solutions for increasing crop yields and reducing expenses. Challenge: Brian first contacted the SBDC in October 2023 to determine the feasibility of starting an agricultural drone business, the regulations and licensing required, and financing. How Illinois SBDC helped: Business advisor Pam Clodfelter assisted Brian by providing informati
Sauk SBDC
Refuse to Quit Fitness
Evan Ernst, a lifelong resident of Morrison and prior WACC CEO student, has a strong passion for fitness and wanted to bring a new gym to...
Sauk SBDC
North End Auto & Tire LLC
Amanda & Nik Manthei purchased the business for which they've dedicated the past eight years of their careers. Amanda adeptly manages the office and handles bookkeeping responsibilities, while Nik's expertise lies in mechanical work. Challenge: Amanda first contacted the SBDC in April 2023 seeking assistance in buying an established business. As a current employee of their purchasing business, Amanda understood the daily bookkeeping responsibilities. Still, she needed to conf
Sauk SBDC
Leo's Marvelous Bites
In a heartwarming tale of creativity and family, Celia Fernandez, one of the owners and main cook of Leo's Marvelous Bites has built a reputation for her mouth-watering cuisine that many love. With her natural talent for cooking, Fernandez has developed a unique ability to read recipes and add her spin to them, often with a Puerto Rican twist. Leo's Marvelous Bites is a family-owned restaurant managed by Fernandez and her brother and sister-in-law, David and Violet Solis. The
Sauk SBDC
1826 Creative Company
The team of Michelle and Brendan Sullivan have over 25 years of combined experience in branding, digital marketing, video production, and...
Sauk SBDC
Rock Star Donuts
Paz Martinez wanted to give back to the community where he was raised – in the form of a better donut. His desire to create an authentic hometown bakery with a 1950s diner nostalgic feel was met with a resounding “yes” during his week-long soft opening by the community. Daily he increased production, and daily he sold out of product. Some days within three hours, and he opens at 5 am! Within the first five days, the bakery had sold approximately 6000 donuts. Challenge: Paz fi
Sauk SBDC
Rustic Paw Studio
When you walk into Rustic Paw Studio, you instantly feel like you have met a long-time friend. This specialty shop is a charming store offering unique bags, accessories, and women's clothing owned by Norma Thompson. Challenge: Norma first contacted the Center in March 2023 for assistance in qualifying for The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, a retail incubator project by Sterling Main Street designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping options, and bring people
Sauk SBDC
Los Luchadores
Luis and Francesca Casas wanted to bring traditional Mexican food to a small farming community. With it being a short drive from many larger towns, they knew that they could create a popular destination for a unique experience and great food. Challenge: The Casas first contacted the SBDC in April 2021. They needed a sound business plan to confirm their dream of creating a fun-themed counter service grill was feasible. They also needed information on applying for a business lo
Sauk SBDC
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