Small Business Development
We provide resources and tools to small business owners, entrepreneurs and people looking to start a business. From creating a business plan to financial coaching, we can connect you with the resources and people who will bring your business to the next level.
Do you have an idea you want to turn into a business? We provide coaching and referral services to help you launch your idea into a profitable business. Give us a call or drop us a line.
We offer classes and webinars regularly. Visit this page often to see what's new.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Waubonsee Community College works in partnership with Kishwaukee College.
The Business Growth Academy helps you assess your business, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen leadership and operations. Participants also gain practical skills in financial tools and strategic planning to ensure long-term success.
- When: Wednesdays in October — Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 6–8 pm
- Where: 420 N 6th St., Rochelle, IL 61068-1540
- What: The Business Growth Academy is a free that helps entrepreneurs create a strategic growth plan with expert guidance, practical solutions, and valuable networking.
Register to Grow Your Business
Please register by Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 12pm.
For more information please contact Noelia Ruiz at nruiz@waubonsee.edu or at (630)906-4143.
Boost your small business with practical, hands-on training designed to strengthen your team, improve processes, and grow your bottom line. Sessions cover hiring, process improvement, cash flow management, strategic planning, and customer service excellence.
Trainings are provided by Sj Bulmer, Bulmer Consulting LLC.
Hiring Smart: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 9–10 am
- Course Description: Hiring is one of the biggest investments a small business can make. This workshop provides practical tips for attracting, interviewing, and selecting the right talent to strengthen your team.
- Course Objectives: Learn the key steps in the hiring process, what to look for beyond technical skills, and strategies to make a positive impression on potential hires.
Getting Started with Six Sigma: Process Improvement
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 10:30–11:30 am
- Course Description: Curious about Six Sigma? This introductory session offers a high-level overview of how Six Sigma principles can help identify and eliminate inefficiencies, leading to better quality and cost savings.
- Course Objectives: Understand what Six Sigma is, the benefits of process improvement, and basic concepts like variation and defect reduction.
Cash Flow Hacks for Small Businesses
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1–2 pm
- Course Description: This quick-start session delivers actionable tips you can apply immediately to better understand and improve your business’s cash flow. Ideal for small business owners seeking financial clarity.
- Course Objectives: Learn strategies to identify cash flow challenges, quick tips for managing cash, and why cash flow is critical for sustainable growth.
Strategic Planning Made Simple for Small Businesses
Thursday, Oct. 9, 1–2 pm
- Course Description: Develop a clear roadmap for your business’s future. This workshop introduces simple, practical strategic planning concepts to help define your vision and set actionable goals.
- Course Objectives: Understand the importance of strategic planning, how to define a clear business vision, and first steps to turn goals into tangible actions.
Customer Service Excellence: Building Loyalty
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2:30–3:30 pm
- Course Description: Happy customers are loyal customers. This session highlights key principles of excellent customer service that differentiate your business and build lasting client relationships.
- Course Objectives: Learn the impact of customer experience on your bottom line, simple techniques to improve customer interactions, and how to turn satisfied customers into advocates.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs may find the following resources helpful:
The Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College works in partnership with Kishwaukee College to help serve businesses in the Kishwaukee College district.
For businesses or entrepreneurs within the region looking for additional services, please contact sbdc@kish.edu or Kishwaukee College Associate Vice President of Community Engagement LaCretia Konan at 815-825-9791 or lkonan1@kish.edu.