***As of 3/30/2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress***
Additional detailed information will be communicated in the days to come on the CARES Act. The federal agencies involved are working diligently to get program rules and processes in place to small businesses as soon as possible. However, it is premature to discuss program implementation specifics of the CARES Act because that work is still being done and program details may change. Our focus at the SBDC is providing our small businesses, lenders, and other small business stakeholders with information that reflects the actual program implementation of the legislation with associated rules and requirements.
The information our center has at this time (as of 3/30/2020) is as follows:
-
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
-
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers.
-
You can view the CARES Act Guide to see information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
-
Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction.
-
Do you need:
-
Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees?
-
The Paycheck Protection Program starting on page 2 might be right for you.
-
-
A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now?
-
Look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant starting on page 7.
-
-
To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan?
-
The Small Business Debt Relief Program starting on page 6 could help.
-
-
Quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time?
-
Look into the resource partners in the Counseling and Training section on page 9.
-
-
***As of 3/30/2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress***
Additional detailed information will be communicated in the days to come on the CARES Act. The federal agencies involved are working diligently to get program rules and processes in place to small businesses as soon as possible. However, it is premature to discuss program implementation specifics of the CARES Act because that work is still being done and program details may change. Our focus at the SBDC is providing our small businesses, lenders, and other small business stakeholders with information that reflects the actual program implementation of the legislation with associated rules and requirements.
The information our center has at this time (as of 3/30/2020) is as follows:
-
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
-
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers.
-
You can view the CARES Act Guide to see information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
-
Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction.
-
Do you need:
-
Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees?
-
The Paycheck Protection Program starting on page 2 might be right for you.
-
-
A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now?
-
Look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant starting on page 7.
-
-
To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan?
-
The Small Business Debt Relief Program starting on page 6 could help.
-
-
Quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time?
-
Look into the resource partners in the Counseling and Training section on page 9.
-
-
***As of 3/30/2020: Illinois Department of Human Services is assessing the acute needs for PPE items ***
Direct from the Illinois Department of Human Services:
In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1.
-
The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs.
-
Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.
-
As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations.
***As of 3/30/2020: Illinois Department of Human Services is assessing the acute needs for PPE items ***
Direct from the Illinois Department of Human Services:
In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1.
-
The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs.
-
Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.
-
As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations.
***As of 3/30/2020: Illinois Department of Human Services is assessing the acute needs for PPE items ***
Direct from the Illinois Department of Human Services:
In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1.
-
The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs.
-
Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.
-
As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations.
***As of 3/27/2020: Illinois DCEO is calling for your support in donations of PPE items***
Under the leadership of Erin Guthrie, Director, the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recognizes the tremendous impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having, not only on businesses, but our communities and families as well.
Not surprisingly, during this challenge Illinoisans are stepping up and pulling together. Many businesses and organizations have already reached out to DCEO to offer support, donations and assistance in any way they can. Their contributions are much appreciated by us all. For example, iBio.org a Chicago-based life sciences industry association, is coordinating efforts from among their membership to donate much-needed medical supplies vital for our Illinois communities.
We are asking for your support in providing our hospitals, Illinois doctors and first responders that are in desperate need of items. For donations of personal protective equipment, please email: PPE.donations@illinois.gov.
Here’s the list of items they are looking for:
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Ventilators – LTV1200 Vyaire/ReVel Carefusion or BiPAP v60 Phillips Respironics
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Masks: N-95, ear loop, or surgical
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Gowns: Isolation or non-descript
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Gloves: Nitrile, sterile, or surgical
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Eye Protection: Face shields and goggles
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Infection Control Kits
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Hand Sanitizer: Any size
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Disinfectant Wipes: Any size
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Thermometers: Forehead only
All donated items should be in the manufacture's original packaging and unopened. When emailing items available for donation to PPE.donations@illinois.gov it is essential to list the items’ current location and exact quantity in an “each” type standard as opposed to boxes/pallet, etc. We will then be in touch about the next logistical steps. Please note that if you have smaller quantities of these items, you may redirect or donate to your nearby police, fire, and ambulance services in order to minimize your travel and other logistical steps with your donation.
For non-PPE items, tangible or financial, please email: CEO.BusinessDonations@illinois.gov.
“Make”: Manufacturers who are ramping up or altering their operations to provide more essential items should contact the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) at: https://ima-net.org/covid-19/supplies/
“Sell”: Wholesalers, suppliers, or manufacturers that already have items on hand to sell or will in the future, should contact: COVID.procurement@illinois.gov.
The following items are in greatest need:
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N-95 masks
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Gloves (non-powdered)
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Gowns (impermeable)
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Isolation gowns (all sizes)
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Surgical masks
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Regular masks, ear loop
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Procedure masks with face shields
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Goggles
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Face shields
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Sanitizing wipes
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Purple-top wipes
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Hand sanitizers
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Digital thermometers
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PAPR hoods
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Ventilators – LTV1200 Vyaire/ReVel Carefusion or BiPAP v60 Phillips Respironics
Illinois Small Business
Development Center of
McLean County at IWU
PREVENTURE
The Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University
Do you have a product or service idea that
you want to turn into a business?
There are a few steps that you will need to take to start your business properly, and below are a few resources that will be helpful in each step toward starting your business.
Step 1: Choose a Business Name
Use this site to find out if the business name you would like to use is already taken.
Step 2: File an Assumed Business Name with the County Clerk
Learn everything you need to know about how to file an assumed name with the County Clerk. This is necessary for any individual operating a sole proprietorship or general partnership under a name different than their own.
Complete this fillable form using the instructions in the "Step 2" link above.
Step 3: Obtain an Employer Identification Number
Visit this site to learn more about if you need an Employer ID Number (EIN), and if you do, how to apply for one.
Step 4: Register Your Business in Illinois
Here you will need to create a login for yourself, and then complete the REG-1 form to register your business online.
Step 5: Obtain any Necessary Licenses, Permits, and Zoning Clearance
Find out what permits, licenses, and zoning clearances you will need to operate your small business within your specified profession and location.
Resources for the above:
We have courses, training, resources, programs and business advisors to help you launch a start up small business across our region.
The SBDC of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan offers a full range of services and information for small businesses of all types. We are a free resource team that can help you in many ways, and we’ve been helping new and existing business owners for more than 30 years.
Before starting a business or investing money in one:
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Evaluate the idea for your business by researching similar businesses
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Do a self-assessment of your abilities and determine where your skills are strongest and where you need to learn more
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Research the market and your potential customers
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Do a financial analysis on the feasibility of your business venture
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Write a basic business plan
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Our Centers offer assistance with the above areas and much more.
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A smart first step is attending our no-cost Start Business 101 workshops with one of our knowledgeable advisors.
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Get your basic questions answered and start developing your small business in this hands-on interactive session.