Illinois Small Business Development Centers Expanding Reach

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity joined the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and community members to celebrate the opening of 7 new Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) around the state. An $11.5 million investment to the SBDC program will add new community-based centers and expand the reach of existing centers. With many businesses facing losses amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, SBDCs play a critical role in providing businesses with support needed to apply and qualify for state and federal emergency assistance programs.

As a result of new investments, the following brand new SBDC locations have opened or will launch in July:

• Puerto Rican Cultural Center – Chicago
• Joliet Junior College – Joliet
• South Shore Chamber of Commerce – Chicago
• Elgin Community College – Elgin
• Build Bronzeville/Urban Juncture Foundation – Chicago  
• Rogers Park Business Alliance – Chicago 
• Chinese Mutual Aid Association – Chicago