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.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
No events currently available. Browse our events calendar.
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
Program Timeline
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
Small Business Development Center
The Illinois Small Business Development (SBDC) Center at the Polsky Exchange offers no-cost, one-on-one confidential business advice to pre-venture entrepreneurs and existing business owners seeking assistance with growth plans, marketing strategy, financial reviews, and more.