Can the IL Small Business Development Center help you?
- Are you starting your own business?
- Do you have a business plan?
- Does your business need access to markets, contracts or capital?
- Do you need help with financial analysis and planning?
- Are you interested in doing business with the government?
- Do you need strategic planning to guide your business growth?
- Are you interested in integrating the latest technology tools into your business?
- Are you interested in business education and training opportunities?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the IL Small Business Development Center can help you.
SBDC Office Hours
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce hosts office hours across the City of Chicago and Suburbs through partnership with local chambers of commerce, business and community organizations, incubators and co-working spaces.
Our IL SBDC is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm, and clients are seen by appointment only. No walk-ins are accepted. Appointments can be made by completing the form above to request an in-person meeting with an advisor on our small business advising team. Our center can help with expert advice and guidance on business planning, financing, marketing plans, dealing with local government, upgrading your technology and plenty of additional resources, including educational workshops and clinics.
Meet Our Center Director - SBDC
Stacey Pitts Caldwell
Energized by her experience in business, marketing and development, Stacey comes to the Chamber with a passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners thrive. Through individual advising, programs and community outreach, Stacey works to elevate and bring awareness to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), an invaluable resource in the small business ecosystem.
With nearly 15 years of experience as a management and business consultant, Stacey brings a rich background in marketing, communications, graphic design, and social media development - along with a wealth of insight and expertise as a small business owner herself.
Stacey earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Management and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from Benedictine University. As a self-proclaimed “creative intellect”, she seeks to incite passion in other small business owners, entrepreneurs and future business leaders. Stacey takes a creative approach to all of her endeavors both personally and professionally, where she continually seeks to connect people to resources, services and causes that have meaningful impact.
Marketing Curriculum for Entrepreneurs
In partnership with the University of Phoenix, Small Business Chicago is offering a range of marketing workshops – via webinar - for entrepreneurs at all levels of business.
Workshop 1: Methods to Conducting Market Research
This workshop is geared to help you gain a better understanding of the different market research tools available to help you better advertise your business.
View the Webinar
Workshop 2: How to Create a Marketing Plan
This workshop will help you learn what you need to do to put together an effective marketing plan for your business.
View the Webinar
Workshop 3: Implementation of Marketing Tactics
This workshop will help you learn the difference between different marketing tactics, how to choose which one is right for you, how to implement a strategy and how to measure success.
View the Webinar
Workshop 4: The Best Techniques for Local Marketing
This workshop covers strategies and tactics small businesses can use when marketing to a local audience.
View the Webinar
Workshop 5: Effective Branding Techniques
This workshop covers everything you need to know about branding for small businesses.
View the Webinar