Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College		Contact Information: Phone: (847) 214-7488 Address: 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin, IL 60123-7193 Website
Small business development assistance is available to businesses in the north and central parts of the county from the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College. This center offers free one-on-one business consulting, business planning and business financing assistance. Other services include tax planning and accounting assistance, marketing advice and research and international trade and government procurement. Free telephone and email business coaching is available.

Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education		Contact Information: Phone: (815) 825-2086 Address: 21193 Malta Rd. Malta, IL 60150-9699 Website
Consulting capability at the Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education, in the north and central parts of DeKalb County, includes strategic planning, process mapping, project management, organizational development and process improvement. Customized training can encompass leadership, industrial and technical training and OSHA health and safety. In partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC), the center provides services to manufacturers including ISO/QS quality assistance, lean manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and information technology / E-business.

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College		Contact Information: Phone: (630) 906-4143 Address: 5 East Galena Blvd Aurora, IL 60506 Website
In south DeKalb County, small business development assistance is provided by the Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center. The center provides one-on-one counseling by appointment and conducts a variety of seminars and workshops on business planning, management, marketing, growth strategies and financing. For new entrepreneurs, a Business Plan Start-Up guide is available to list and explain the recommended steps involved in creating a business plan.

DeKalb County Chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives		Contact Information: Phone: (815) 748-1649 Address: 555 Bethany Rd. DeKalb, IL 60115 Website
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a organization of experienced business leaders who volunteer to help anyone operating a small business or thinking about starting one. The DeKalb County office opened in 2009 as part of the Fox Valley Chapter. Free counseling is available for free for as long as an individual desires the help. SCORE also hosts low-cost workshops, has many resources available on their website, and provides additional services to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center		Contact Information: Phone: (888) 806-4632 Address: 155 North 3rd Street Suite 402 DeKalb, IL 60115 Website
The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) is a team of specialists who work with Illinois businesses to increase productivity and become more competitive. They accomplish this by employing the know-how of a national network of field engineers who work directly with manufacturers and other businesses to solve problems and create opportunities. IMEC also helps companies access other Illinois-based private and public sector resources. IMEC solutions include expanding operating capacity, integrating advanced manufacturing techniques, creating a culture of continuous improvement and increasing supplier performance.