The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
The Small Business Administration Chicago is part of the federal program created to assist small business development throughout the US. The SBA actually has a network of both public and private partnerships that help facilitate their mission throughout the country. At the Small Business Administration of Chicago you will find resources for:
- Loans
- Education
- Free Consulting
- Financial Advice
- Minority Assistance
- Veteran’s Assistance
- Mentoring Programs
The Illinois District Office is usually what we mean when we say Small Business Administration of Chicago or Chicago SBA. You can find it at
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: 312-353-4528
Fax: 312-886-5688
The website is definitely worth spending time with. It has everything from getting government contracts to cyber security for small businesses.
IL District Site – http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3161
SBA Learning Center with videos and online training – http://www.sba.gov/tools/sba-learning-center
Now be sure to sign up for the monthly orientation the small business administration of Chicago offers. They hold it every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9:30 am until 12 noon. You can use this iCal to add it to your calendar. To see all the upcoming virtual events just make sure Illinois is unchecked at the SBA events page.
The resources aren’t limited to those already in business, there is an entire section devoted to starting a business. Going through personal assessment and creating a business plan and such. If you have been thinking about making the jump into entrepreneurship or jumped in head first and want to make sure all your i’s are dotted, check it out the SBA – Thinking About Starting page.
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– Juan Martin
Founder & Supporter of SBA