SEDI

Real support for SEDI-owned and very small businesses—at no cost to eligible participants.

Technical assistance services are available through the Small Business Growth Initiative, with funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

You Belong at the Table—We’ll Help You Pull Up a Chair.

The SBGI program helps eligible SEDI-owned and very small businesses strengthen operations, improve financial readiness, and access professional technical assistance designed to support long-term business growth. 

See If You're Eligible

Why This Program Exists

Illinois’ SSBCI Technical Assistance Program is designed to expand access to technical assistance, financial readiness, and growth resources for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and very small businesses (VSBs).

• Business Readiness: Strengthen financial organization, operational planning, and business infrastructure.

• Professional Support: Connect with accounting, legal, financial, and advisory service providers.

• Capital Readiness: Improve documentation, financial preparedness, and readiness for future funding opportunities.

• No Cost to Eligible Participants: Approved services are provided at no cost, with funding provided in whole or in part by Illinois DCEO.

 

Common Business Needs

You Need...

Technical Assistance Services

Business formation, certification readiness, and operational setup

Legal structuring and certification application guidance

Organized financial records and bookkeeping support

CPA-led financial statement preparation and tax support

Financial literacy and credit readiness

Financial readiness and credit education support

Clear pathways to capital and business growth resources

Capital readiness planning and introductions to ecosystem partners

Ready to Move Forward? Apply now

SEDI Resource Hub

01.

Access to Capital

Funding Checklist for Minority & Women-Owned Firms

02.

Start Strong

Credit 101: Effective Credit Building Strategies for Entrepreneurs

03.

Business Readiness

The Importance of Effective Cash Flow Management for SEDI Businesses

04.

Growth Strategies

Strategies for Small Business Growth: Knowing When and How to Use Business Loans

Your Growth Team is Here — at No Cost to You.
Connect With Our Team at 833-807-SBGI (7244)

You’ve already built the vision. We’re here to help strengthen your foundation—with professional accounting support, business advisory guidance, capital readiness resources, and trusted partner connections designed to help Illinois small businesses grow with confidence.

Serving eligible businesses in Will, Kankakee, Kendall, and Grundy Counties.

Funding provided in whole or in part by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Program.

APPLY FOR SUPPORT