FAQ
Got questions? We got answers.
Get clarity on how our program works, who qualifies, what services are available, and what to expect from start to finish. If you still have questions, we’re here to help.
About the Program
Q: What is the Small Business Growth Initiative?
A:
The Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) is a technical assistance program that helps eligible Illinois small businesses grow through specialized business support services, including accounting, legal guidance, business advisory, and capital readiness assistance. Services are supported through Illinois DCEO’s SSBCI Technical Assistance Program, subject to program eligibility and available funding.
Q: Who funds this program?
A: The Small Business Growth Initiative is supported through Illinois’ State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Program. Funding is provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to help eligible Illinois small businesses access no-cost technical assistance services.
Q: What does “technical assistance” mean?
A: Technical assistance includes no-cost business support services designed to help eligible small businesses become stronger, more financially prepared, and better positioned for growth. Services may include financial statement preparation, bookkeeping support, business advisory services, legal guidance, certification assistance, credit-readiness coaching, and loan packaging support, depending on business needs and program eligibility.
Eligibility & Costs
Q: Who qualifies for these services?
A: Illinois small businesses may qualify for no-cost technical assistance if they meet program eligibility guidelines, including socially and economically disadvantaged individual (SEDI) ownership, very small business size, or location in an eligible investment area. While SBGI primarily serves Will, Grundy, Kankakee, and Kendall counties, eligible Illinois businesses outside the region may also be served when appropriate.
Q: Is this really free?
A: Yes—eligible services provided through the Small Business Growth Initiative are offered at no cost to qualifying businesses through Illinois’ SSBCI Technical Assistance Program, administered by Illinois DCEO, while program funding is available.
Q: Do I have to be a minority- or woman-owned business?
A: Not necessarily. While we prioritize minority-, woman-, veteran-, and immigrant-owned businesses, we serve a broad range of disadvantaged business owners. If you’re unsure, just complete the form — we’ll review your eligibility at no cost.
How It Works
Q: What happens after I submit the form?
A: After you submit your intake form, our team will review your information, confirm program fit and eligibility, and follow up with next steps. Eligible participants are then matched with appropriate technical assistance services based on their business needs, readiness, and goals.
Q: How long does it take to start working with someone?
A: Timelines vary based on eligibility review, service demand, and business readiness. Our goal is to connect qualified participants with the appropriate technical assistance resources as efficiently as possible based on program capacity and need.
Q: What documents do I need to get started?
A: Required documents vary based on your business stage and service needs, but may include formation documents, financial statements, tax returns, payroll records, certifications, or lending materials. After intake, our team will provide a customized checklist based on your business goals and requested support.
Services Provided
Q: What kind of help can I get?
A: Eligible businesses may receive technical assistance services such as:
• Bookkeeping support and financial organization
• CPA-prepared financial statements and reporting support
• Capital readiness and loan packaging assistance
• Business formation, structuring, and certification support (MBE/WBE/DBE, where applicable)
• Credit-readiness coaching and financial literacy guidance
• Business advisory services for operations, growth planning, and financial management
• Legal guidance related to business structuring, contracts, and compliance
• Connections to capital ecosystem resources and referral partners
Q: What if I’m already working with an accountant, attorney, or advisor?
A: That’s perfectly fine. Our technical assistance services can complement your existing professional relationships by providing additional support, specialized resources, or program-aligned services that help move your business forward.
Accessibility & Language Support
Q: Is the Small Business Growth Initiative accessible in Spanish?
A: Yes. Our website offers English and Spanish navigation, making it easier for more Illinois business owners to explore services, understand eligibility, and access program resources in their preferred language.
Q: Can I get help navigating the website or finding information quickly?
A: Absolutely. We offer a sitewide chatbot assistant that can help answer common questions, guide you to resources, and point you toward the next step in the process—any time you visit our website.
Q: Can I apply or access program information from my phone or tablet?
A: Yes. Our website is mobile-friendly, allowing business owners to review eligibility, submit information, and access resources conveniently from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Q: How do I securely submit documents for review?
A: We provide a secure online upload portal where applicants and participants can safely submit financial records, business documents, and supporting materials as part of the intake and advisory process.
Q: Is personalized assistance available, or is everything online?
A: Personalized support is available. In addition to online tools, participants can connect directly with our intake team and program staff for one-on-one assistance, guidance, and referral to the most appropriate services and resources.
Q: Why has SBGI invested in accessibility tools like language support, chat, and secure online access?
A: We believe business support should be easy to access, inclusive, and built around the realities of today’s entrepreneurs. By offering multilingual navigation, interactive support tools, mobile access, and secure digital services, we make it easier for Illinois small business owners to engage with the program confidently and conveniently.
Meeting Availability & Office Access
Q: Do you offer in-person meetings?
A: Yes. The Small Business Growth Initiative offers appointment-based in-person meetings for eligible participants who prefer face-to-face support. Meetings may be scheduled for intake, advisory sessions, document review, and program guidance.
Q: Where are in-person meetings held?
A: In-person meetings are hosted at partner locations throughout our service region, including access to professional meeting space through community partners such as Joliet Junior College Entrepreneur and Business Center, subject to scheduling and availability.
Q: Are there set office hours?
A: We currently offer standing appointment availability during designated weekly time blocks, with scheduling coordinated directly through our intake team. This appointment-based model helps us provide focused one-on-one support while maintaining flexibility to serve businesses across the region.
Q: How do I schedule a meeting?
A: Businesses may request a meeting through our website contact form, intake process, or by contacting our team directly. We will coordinate the best meeting format—virtual, phone, or in-person—based on your needs and availability.
Other
Q: Is my information kept confidential?
A: We take confidentiality seriously. Information you provide is used for program administration, eligibility review, and delivery of technical assistance services, and is handled in accordance with applicable privacy, security, and recordkeeping requirements.
Q: Can I refer another business?
A: Absolutely. We welcome referrals from business owners, lenders, community organizations, and professional partners. Eligible Illinois small businesses can submit an intake form to be considered for technical assistance services.
Q: Can I continue receiving support after my initial goals are achieved?
A: Additional support may be available based on program eligibility, service capacity, and funding availability. Businesses that need services beyond the scope of the program may also explore separate service arrangements outside of the grant-funded technical assistance program.