The New Business Start Support Program
The SBDC* New Business Start Support Program guides aspiring entrepreneurs from idea 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.
- Be prepared to complete required registration(s), if applicable, with the local, state, and/or Federal government (e.g., DBA registration, get a business license, agency issued tax identifications, etc.) by the 3rd week of the program start date.
- Produce measurable outcomes including capital infusion, staff changes, and success stories.
Instructional Schedule:
- Week One: Define & Draft – Ideation & Problem Identification
- Week Two: Value Proposition & Industry Analysis
- Week Three: Continue Industry Analysis & Target Market
- Week Four: Growth Strategy & Financial Projections
- Week Five: Numbers & Narrative
- Week Six: Branding & Marketing Analysis
- Week Seven: Final Business Plan Review & Revision
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
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
2025 – 2026 Timeline
Cohort 1
- Call for Applications: December 15
- Rolling Application Closes: February 3
- Cohort Team Notified: Week of January 26
- Program Orientation: February 5
- Program Sessions Begin: Week of February 9
- Program Sessions End: Week of March 16
Cohort 2
- Call for Applications: July 7
- Application Closes: August 7
- Cohort Team Notified: Week of August 17
- Program Orientation: August 27
- Program Sessions Begin: Week of August 31
- Program Sessions End: Week of October 5
Upcoming Events for SBDC
Application and Eligibility
- 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.”
- Business name/DBA
- State/local business licenses
- Federal or state tax IDs
- 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 2.5-hour, in-person session 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.
The program will begin in February 2026 and will require an average of four hours per week for seven weeks.