Small Business Development Center

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Hull House (SBDC) is a funded partner of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and a member of the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network. We operate in communities of need on the South and North sides of Chicago to assist in revitalizing local neighborhood economies and improving the overall quality of life. We work with new and expanding businesses to access the resources needed to operate a successful venture.

Individual Counseling
Small business specialists are available for free one-on-one counseling sessions with people interested in starting a business, expanding an existing business, packaging a loan application, or writing a business plan. See How to Write a Business Plan for help in getting started.

Small Business Training
Our Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) is a 10-week course that assists prospective or current business owners in compiling a comprehensive business plan. Our registration packet for the ETP class can be downloaded here. The classes start on April 14th on the north side and April 15th on the south side.

Starting a Business in Illinois: Business Basics Workshop
This free seminar targets individuals interested in self employment. It provides information on how to start a small business, the basics of writing a business plan, how to register your business, and other business start-up procedures.  See the current schedule for times and dates.

Small Business Workshops
Free workshops are taught by experts on a variety of specific business issues that include marketing, financing, legal structures, insurance, leasing space, sales, taxes, and record keeping. Please see our current workshop schedule.

Networking Events
Networking events are held in collaboration with other businesses and organizations in the community. The Networking Events are typically held twice a year. Our next networking session is in May, 2009.

Cultural Enterprise Opportunity (CEO) Project
The CEO Project offers culturally-sensitive bilingual business training for Latino entrepreneurs. Classroom discussions are combined with individual counseling with a business mentor.

Refugee Opportunity Project
This program assists refugee entrepreneurs in selecting, starting, and growing a business. It uses a practical hands-on approach and offers a series of business development activities, including one-on-one counseling, access to loans and small group meetings.