The Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Joseph Center was one of the first faith-based SBDCs in the United States. It is a member of a powerful statewide network of resource providers for emerging business sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IL-DCEO). The Illinois SBDC-ITC and PTAC at The Joseph Center is a vital asset for business owners, providing one-on-one business consulting, business training, workshops, and assistance to support both emerging and established entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals in three distinct areas:

SBDC (Small Business Development Center): Provides entrepreneur development assistance, access to industry market research, access to capital, industry growth tools, and innovation support.

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.
 

PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center): Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Centers are a portal for small businesses looking to enter the world of government contracting. The centers provide one-on-one counseling, technical information, marketing assistance and training to existing businesses interested in selling their goods and services to local, state, and/or federal government agencies.

Services Include:
• Help targeting appropriate government agencies
• Automated bid lead matching services
• Access to government specifications and standards
• Guidance with quality assurance issues
• Assistance with certifications
• Identification of Sub-contracting opportunities
• Bar Code and Packaging Information
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
• UID (Unique Identification)
• Contract Administration Information
• System for Award Management (SAM) Assistance
• Review of Bid Packages
 

ITC (International Trade Center): Provides assistance with international trade and exporting. We offer information, counseling, and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities.

Services Include:
• Evaluation of company's readiness to export
• Access to foreign market information
• Documentation assistance
• Automated trade leads
• Linkages with trade representatives
 

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Workshops and Seminars
The Illinois SBDC-ITC and PTAC at The Joseph Center offers workshops covering a wide variety of topics conducive to business success. Our monthly business start-up workshop helps emerging entrepreneurs understand how to start a business with increased probability of success. Other seminars and workshops offered include teachings on marketing, business financing, government procurement, patents and trademarks, e-commerce, contracting/sub-contracting, and real estate topics.

For more information regarding current workshops: Click Here  

Contact Us

Phone: 708-697-6234
Fax: 708-697-6222

7600 W. Roosevelt Rd
Forest Park, IL 60130

Email: sbdc@jbs.edu

 

The Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. All SBA programs are extended on a non-discriminatory basis.

References

Illinois Department of Commerce Website

US Small Business Website