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SBDC Makes Strides
The Shawnee Community College Small Business
Development Center has been working hard to improve the status of small
businesses in the region. The SBDC can help businesses secure loans,
as well as provide other guidance. Since 2000, 139 loans have been secured
for a total of more than $13.5 million dollars. In the past five years,
the SBDC has served 1,969 clients which created or retained 673 jobs
in the SCC 5-county district. In addition to loan money improving small
business, 88 government contracts have helped bring more than $21 million
into the region. However, progress in the last six months could prove
to be a record year for the SCC SBDC. In all of 2004, the SBDC served
284 clients, securing $2.9 million in loans, with $562,000 in government
contracts secured. Since Jan.1, 2005, the SBDC has secured $2.7 million
in loans, with $909,000 in government contracts secured.
The SBDC can provide a "one stop
shop" for economic development assistance to any small business
in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski or Union county. Goals of the
SBDC are to provide assistance that will lead to the retention and creation
of jobs through business expansion and start-ups, as well as expanding
opportunities for access to capital funds. The Center provides business
counseling, business training, women and minority business outreach,
financial management, and technical assistance.
The SCC SBDC has been developed through
a partnership involving the U.S. Small Business Administration, The
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and
Shawnee Community College. The SBDC has a full time staff of three;
Donald W. Denny, Director, Brett Whitnel, Small Business Counselor and
Tina McClellan, Executive Secretary. Additional assistance is obtained
through the cooperation of other organizations such as the Illinois
Manufacturers Extension Center (IMEC), the Procurement Technical Assistance
Center (PTAC), International Trade Center (ITC), Chambers of Commerce,
Southern Five Regional Planning Commission, Southernmost Illinois Delta
Empowerment Zone (SIDEZ) and County/City Revolving Loan Programs, and
Shawnee Development Council.
For further information or assistance
please contact the Shawnee Community College Small Business Development
Center at 618-634-3254.
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