Western Illinois University Business Center seeks to support small business.
Illinois minority-owned businesses have the opportunity to win grant money for equipment if they submit an application by April 19. The Illinois Small Business Development Center, SBDC, at Western Illinois University’s Quad-Cities campus will be awarding grant money to local businesses as part of an annual program, according to the Quad-City Times. This the second year the Minority Empowerment Equipment Grant will be awarded. The program is meant to encourage the growth of startups and support existing businesses.
In 2018, over $12,000 in equipment funding was granted to 14 small businesses. The money was used for “carpet extractors, sewing machines, generators, freezers, repair parts, furniture and more, according to the Quad-City Times.
The SBDC has 35 locations throughout the state that provide businesses with management, marketing and financial guidance, according to the SBDC website. Aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners looking for assistance developing a strong business plan, accessing business financing programs, or accessing market information and the development of marketing plans should visit the SBDC website for more information.
