Last Updated: April 8, 2026

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Welcome to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use our services.

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1. Services Provided

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College provides no-cost advising and training services to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Services may include business advising, training workshops, market research support, and assistance with business planning, financial analysis, capital access, and marketing.

Services are provided as part of a program funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Certain training events may be offered at a nominal fee where permitted.

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2. Eligibility

To receive services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.

• Be operating or intending to operate a business in the State of Illinois. 

• Provide accurate and complete information as requested

• Meet applicable SBA and Illinois SBDC program eligibility requirements

The Illinois SBDC reserves the right to determine eligibility and scope of services.

 

3. Nature and Scope of Services

The Illinois SBDC provides advisory services only.

Staff will provide guidance, analysis, and recommendations but will not perform work on behalf of clients, make business decisions, or act as legal, accounting, or financial representatives.

Services are limited to areas consistent with SBA and Illinois SBDC program guidelines.

The Illinois SBDC reserves the right to decline or limit services that fall outside program scope.

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4. Data Collection, Use, and Reporting

As a condition of receiving services, clients may be required to provide information related to their business, including but not limited to business status, employment, and financial outcomes.

This information is used for program reporting, performance measurement, and compliance with funding requirements.

Client data may be shared in aggregate or as required with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Illinois SBDC Network.

By using services, you acknowledge and consent to the collection and use of your information for these purposes.

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5. Confidentiality

The Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College maintains the confidentiality of client information to the extent permitted by law.

Information provided by clients will be used for program purposes and will not be disclosed to third parties without consent, except:

• As required by law

• As required by SBA or Illinois DCEO reporting and oversight

• For audit, monitoring, or program evaluation purposes

Staff will not disclose proprietary information outside authorized channels.

 

6. Outcome Reporting and Attribution

Clients may be asked to verify business outcomes, including jobs created or retained, capital obtained, or business starts.

By providing this information, clients affirm that reported outcomes may be attributed, in whole or in part, to assistance received from the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College.

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7. Non-Discrimination Statement

Services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made upon request.

 

8. User Responsibilities

As a user of services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and truthful information

• Participate in good faith in advising sessions

• Respond to follow-up requests related to services or outcomes

• Treat staff and other participants with professionalism and respect

Failure to meet these expectations may result in suspension or termination of services.

 

9. Limitations of Services and Liability

The Illinois SBDC does not guarantee business success or specific outcomes.

Information and guidance provided are based on available data and professional judgment but are not guaranteed to be complete or error-free.

The Illinois SBDC is not liable for any losses, damages, or decisions made based on services provided.

Clients are encouraged to seek advice from licensed legal, accounting, and financial professionals when appropriate.

 

10. Prohibited Uses of Services

Services may not be used for:

• Illegal activities

• Activities that violate SBA or Illinois SBDC program guidelines

• Misrepresentation of business information

• Harassment, abuse, or inappropriate conduct toward staff

Violation of these conditions may result in termination of services.

11. Termination of Services

The Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College reserves the right to suspend services at its discretion, including for:

• Non-compliance with these Terms

• Ineligibility for services

• Failure to provide required information

• Disruptive, abusive, or inappropriate behavior

 

12. Intellectual Property

All materials, tools, and content provided by the Illinois SBDC are the property of the Illinois SBDC Network or its partners and are protected by applicable laws.

Materials may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.

 

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

All services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

The Illinois SBDC does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided.

 

14. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.

Any disputes arising from these terms or the use of services shall be resolved in the appropriate courts within the State of Illinois.

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15. Changes to Terms of Service

The Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time.

Continued use of services after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.