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Illinois Small Business Development Center at Harper College

The IL SBDC at Harper College remains open and available for virtual appointments. If you are a new client (not necessary to become a client to attend a workshop/webinar) seeking assistance, please complete the SBA application here. Choose Harper College as your center.

The Illinois SBDC at Harper College provides no-cost confidential consulting for small and home-based businesses. Schedule below to receive expert help with one of our advisors. Our services are paid for through a partnership between DCEO, the Small Business Administration and Harper College. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

1 Choose Appointment

No Cost Advisory Appointments

Phone Appointment w/ Cheri Kretsinger

1 hour

Cheri can help you with digital (email, social media, content) and traditional marketing, viability and commercialization analysis, budgeting, forecasting, pricing, packaging and developing a business and marketing plan. Cheri will assess your current marketing needs and review your branding/positioning. Cheri provides general guidance and assistance for startups and established businesses. Start up friendly.

Zoom/Phone Appointment with Dennis LaPorta

1 hour

Do you have an idea for a product or service but don't know where to start? Dennis can help examine your concept and flush out what makes it unique and sellable. He'll also offer suggestions for markets and sales channels you may have not thought of. Understand why positioning and strategy are so important to the success of your business-even before you start. Dennis also works with established businesses to help maximize sales, grow market share, and increase revenue.

Phone Appointment w/ Marge Johnsson

1 hour

Marge Johnsson is a high-growth business planning and revenue forecasting specialist, who can help with business plan review, buy/sell, strategy, projections and financial statements. She brings 30 years of experience helping businesses of all sizes introduce new products, find new sales channels, enter new markets, and complete acquisitions. Marge is start up friendly.

Zoom/Phone Appointment with Kevin McVearry

1 hour

For clients needing expert help with a restaurant, bar or food service business. Kevin McVearry specializes in the restaurant and hospitality industry at all levels of operations from start-up concepts to existing businesses. He has spent 25 years opening and operating restaurants, bars, and events across the country. Kevin has extensive knowledge in new venues, including design, construction, budgeting, menu development. Startup friendly.

Zoom/Phone Appointment w/ Jennie Johns

1 hour

Book an appointment with Jennie Johns if you need assistance with ecommerce platforms, website, email service, and/or other technology issues. Jennie specializes in web functionality, usability and customer experience. She can assist with your technical questions re: website creation, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Jennie has over 20 years experience in developing websites. Available for Zoom or Phone appointments (choose below).

Webinars

Starting a Business in Illinois 6/15/23

1 hour

No Cost. June 15th, 6:00 pm CST
Do you have the personal characteristics, the financial fitness and the business readiness skills to own a business? Find out if entrepreneurship is right for you. Learn about the critical steps to opening your own business including viability, business formation, financing, and more.

SEO For Small Business 7/11/23

1 hour 30 minutes

No Cost. July 11th, 9:00-10:30 am CST
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is Marketing Jargon for Creating an Online Community around your product or service that reflects the understanding of your ideal customer and how you can solve their problems. Using yesterday’s values with today’s tools, Joe Skibbie, Founder of JRS Mar/Com will share insights from over 20 years working with business owners. Joe will provide insights into how starting with your end goal will help steer strategy.

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Illinois Small Business Development Center at Harper College

1 Choose Appointment

2 Your Information

3 Confirmation