New Business Start Support Program

The SBDC New Business Start Support Program guides aspiring entrepreneurs with unregistered businesses to official business launch. Through structured weekly sessions, one-on-one advising, and hands-on compliance support, the program ensures that each client completes required registrations, conducts early business activities, and documents measurable economic impact

The Program:

Support clients in officially starting their businesses according to SBA guidelines.
Provide pre-start and post-start advising sessions for every participant.
Produce measurable outcomes including capital infusion, staff changes, and success stories.

Instructional Schedule:

Session 1: Define and Draft – Ideation and Problem Identification
Session 2: Value Proposition and Industry Analysis
Session 3: Continue Industry Analysis and Target Market
Session 4: Growth Strategy and Financial Projections
Session 5: Numbers and Narrative
Session 6: Branding and Marketing Analysis
Session 7: Final Business Plan Review and Revision

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*Illinois Small Business Development Center

Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), working in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), were established in 1984 to assist Illinois entrepreneurs to start and grow their small businesses by providing no-cost confidential one-on-one advising and training.

Key Dates and Deadlines

2025–2026 Timeline

Cohort 1

Call for Applications:
December 15
Application Closes:
January 15
Cohort Team Notified:
Week of January 26
Program Orientation and Session Begins:
February 5
Program Ends:
Week of March 16

Cohort 2

Call for Applications:
August 31
Application Closes:
September 18
Cohort Team Notified:
Week of September 28
Program Orientation and Program Begins:
October 6
Program Ends:
Week of October 26

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Application and Eligibility

Aspiring or Early-Stage Entrepreneur
- Individuals who have a business idea, are in the early development stage, or have not yet officially started their business according to SBA guidelines.
- Existing businesses may participate if they have not yet completed all steps required for an official SBA “business start.”
Willingness to Complete Required Registrations
Participants must be prepared to complete any required business registrations with the local, state, and/or federal government within the first three weeks of the program, such as:
- Business name/DBA
- State/local business licenses
- Federal or state tax IDs
Ready to Conduct Initial Business Activities
Participants should be willing to take early launch steps during the program, such as:
- Completing a small sale
- Hiring or contracting essential help
- Applying for and/or seek capital
- Incurring legitimate business startup expenses

Expectations

Program participants must meet the following expectations:

Devote at least 15 hours per week to working on their idea.
Attend a 2-hour, in-person session twice each week, which includes presentations, discussions, and group case studies each week, which includes presentations, discussions, and group case studies.
Participate in advisory sessions with SBDC advisors and complete weekly assessments outside of the in-person sessions.
Complete at least three advisory sessions with their advisor before the end of the program.