Beyond the SBDC: Specialized Local Support

At the Rockford SBDC, our goal is to help you build a strong foundation. However, some aspects of business ownership require specialized technical execution.

We have curated this list of trusted local partners and powerful digital tools to help you navigate permitting, funding, and creative design.
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🏛️ Permitting & City Regulations
‍Before signing a lease or starting construction, you must understand your regulatory requirements.

‍City of Rockford: Business First Program
A critical "first stop" for brick-and-mortar businesses. This program offers a free, single meeting where you sit down with officials from the Building, Fire, Health, and Zoning departments simultaneously to review your plans.
‍Why go: Prevent costly surprises by identifying code requirements early.
‍Contact: Francisca French, Economic Development Coordinator.
‍Action: Schedule a Business First Session or call 779-348-7419.

‍Winnebago County Clerk / ILDCEO Website
What they do: Issue "Assumed Name" (DBA) certificates for sole proprietorships and general partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Also a large guide for how to file your LLC
‍Action: Visit the County Clerk’s office (404 Elm St, Suite 104) to register
Or Visit https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/beginhere/stepbystepguide.html
🚀 Incubators & Accelerators
‍Think Big: A rigorous business accelerator program designed to help minority and women-owned businesses scale their operations.
‍What they do: They offer a cohort-based "School of Business" that provides intensive training, mentorship from successful local CEOs, and networking opportunities.
‍Best For: All entrepreneurs enterring into the business world (ideation stage) or even established entrepreneurs who are ready to focus on growth, strategy, and sustainability.
‍Action: Visit the Think Big website to apply for their next cohort or learn about upcoming workshops.
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💸 Financing & Capital
‍For funding needs that go beyond traditional bank loans.Rockford Local Development Corporation (RLDC)The RLDC acts as a "gap financier," partnering with local banks to make business loans possible when a bank cannot fund 100% of the project.
‍Key Programs: SBA 504 Loans (Real Estate/Equipment) and Revolving Loan Funds (Working Capital).
‍Best For: Businesses with a solid plan that need extra leverage to qualify for bank financing.
‍Contact: Call 815-987-8675 or visit RLDC.Us
Traditional Bank Lending
Note: We strongly recommend establishing a relationship with a business banker at a local institution. If you need introductions to specific local lenders who work with startups, please ask your SBDC advisor.
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🎨 Creative & Digital Services (Local Agencies)
‍When you are ready to hire professionals for branding, web design, and marketing.
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‍Cain & Company: Full-service agency specializing in strategic marketing and brand development.
‍Trekk: Tech-enabled creative agency offering multi-channel marketing and advanced digital solutions.
‍Cybernautic: Specialists in custom website design with a focus on SEO and conversion.
‍Weblinx: Professional web design and digital strategy services.

🤖 DIY Digital & AI Tools for Cost-effective solutions for day-to-day operations.‍
Marketing :CopyChatGPT / Claude Drafting business plans, emails, and social media captions.
‍Graphic: DesignCanva Easy-to-use design for flyers, social posts, and presentations.
‍Imagery: Midjourney Generating unique concept art, mood boards, or logo ideas.
‍Productivity: Otter.ai Recording and transcribing meetings automatically.
‍Writing: Grammarly Ensuring professional, error-free emails and proposals.