Best Small Business Resources in the Springfield Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Illinois has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Springfield area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Illinois.
Resources Available in your Area
Innovate Springfield
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
Innovate Springfield is primarily a co-working space for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Innovate Springfield also offers workshops, connections to legal and financial consulting, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs with whom to share your experiences. Advisors host frequent “office hours” where entrepreneurs can talk about problems their facing and receive some informal consulting. A subsidized incubator program is available to startups that offers reduced rates and higher levels of business assistance.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
15 South Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
217-670-1770
kdavison@innovatespringfield.org
Illinois SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Lincoln Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
The Lincoln Library offers many services useful to someone starting a business. Their research databases encompass many business topics and provide sample business plans, business and industry-specific publications, and general business guides. They also offer meeting rooms that are available for patrons to reserve.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Springfield SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Your Corner Office
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Your Corner Office is a combination of coworking space and incubator, offering the flexible office space associated with coworking along with onsite classes and consulting services typical of incubators. Membership plans range from co-working to private offices and there are meeting rooms available for both members and the public to reserve (for a fee). Your Corner Office hosts frequent training and events that bring subject matter experts in to talk about a business-related skill. Consulting is available onsite and covers a variety of business topics.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
427 E Monroe, Suite 200
Springfield, IL 62701
217-679-4653
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - THU: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
FRI: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm