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Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

A topic guide to help the Oakton Community learn more about the wealth of resources and support through the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Oakton College.

What is an SBDC?

America's SBDC Illinois logo: a blue and white logo featuring the acronym SBDC with the state of Illinois outlined within the letter D.

 

 

 

 

 

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Oakton College provides business advising and training to small business owners. Services Include:

  • One-on-one business advice and management assistance
  • Assistance with the development of business plans
  • Help with accessing market information and the development of marketing plans
  • Assistance with accessing business financing programs
  • Assistance with financial analysis and planning
  • Access to business education and training opportunities
  • Specialized services in technology, innovation and entrepreneurial development

* The Illinois SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration

SBDC Local News

Des Plaines, Ill. (May 8, 2023) - Free and open-to-the-public support for starting or growing small businesses is now available at Oakton College as the College kicks off Small Business Month and celebrates Small Business Day, May 10.

The recently opened Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Oakton College provides business advising and training, including, but not limited to, business formation, financial analysis, needs assessments, market projections, accessing capital, developing a business plan, strategic planning and more. The Center will also offer workshops and webinars on various topics, including how to start a business in Illinois, writing a business plan, how to register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) and programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local units of government.

"Helping members of our community with their small business interests is part of supporting and empowering our community," says Oakton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ileo Lott. ”By providing access to capital and business development counseling, training, and tools, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Oakton College positions us to assist populations that might not always have equitable access to this type of support."

To learn more, visit Oakton College's website.