ALEDO - New Business Owners
Point of Contact:
Frank Perez
309-732-4024
www.bridgeinvestmentcdc.org
"Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation (Bridge Investment) is a mission-driven, non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to helping small businesses and microenterprises by providing loan capital with flexible terms and rates to help them sustain and grow. Bridge Investment is a national non-profit, but focuses its work in the states of Iowa and Illinois within areas with the highest need. Loans outside of Iowa and Illinois will be considered on a case by case basis. Business applicants may be in the start-up phase, existing, or expanding.We are a CDFI. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are dedicated to delivering responsible lending opportunities. By putting community first, we offer fair and affordable loans and financial products that will facilitate your access to financial opportunities and success. CDFIs reach deep and lend where it counts."
Point of Contact:
Elijah Lind
815-303-2825
programs@mcbettertogether.org
www.mcbettertogether.org
Sit down one on one with our Program Director to identify barriers to business success via a confidential survey and discuss the mitigation of those barriers via one on one tailored technical assistance.
Point of Contact:
Tara McFarland
815-201-4252
tara@mcbettertogether.org
www.mcbettertogether.org
Hiring assistance is available to employers via job promotion in the Mercer County Career Center weekly update as well as the creation (by request) of custom job flyers for open positions hosted by MCBT and promoted in the weekly jobs list.
LEAP - Rental Assistance
Point of Contact:
Lindsey Dunn
309-582-2751
www.aledomainstreet.com
The Lease Expense Assistance Program (LEAP) is a 1 year only Lease Assistance Program to help provide an incentive for potential tenants to consider opening a business in Historic Downtown Aledo by reducing the first year lease cost for qualified applicants.
Point of Contact:
Elijah Lind
815-303-2825
programs@mcbettertogether.org
www.mcbettertogether.org
Discover available, shovel-ready, commercial properties across the county with in-depth information, available through Zoom Prospector on the MCBT website.
Point of Contact:
SCORE's mission: SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education., SCORE'S Vision: We aim to give every person the support they need to thrive as a small business owner. Mentorship, training, and an array of resources.
Point of Contact:
Answer Desk
1-800-827-5722
https://www.sba.gov/
“SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover."
Point of Contact:
Elijah Lind
815-303-2825
programs@mcbettertogether.org
www.mcbettertogether.org
Make businesses aware of available financial and non-financial resources through the Business Finance Toolkit and one on one guidance.
Point of Contact:
Kasi Henshaw
309-373-3372
www.mcprosperity.com
For those with a business plan, we can connect them with potential investors or other funding opportunities to see their business to fruition.
Point of Contact:
Kasi Henshaw
309-373-3372
www.mcprosperity.com
Connecting current and new and potential business owners with mentors to help them build and grow.
Point of Contact:
Lindsey Dunn
309-582-2751
www.aledomainstreet.com
Offered to new businesses in Aledo to announce and celebrate the opening of their downtown storefront.
Point of Contact:
Ann Friederichs
309-762-3999 ext 62243
https://wiusbdc.org
“The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University (IL SBDC WIU) and the Illinois International Trade Center provide FREE, confidential advising and training to help entrepreneurs and businesses start, grow, prepare to export, and sustain their businesses."
Point of Contact:
Lindsey Dunn
309-582-2751
www.aledomainstreet.com
Facilitate the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo. Any interested vendor can contact AMS for info. Produce, Meat, Baked goods, Honey, Jam, Flowers, Artisan items, etc. are accepted. Homegrown & Handmade!
Point of Contact:
Lindsey Dunn
309-582-2751
www.aledomainstreet.com
Provides info & resources for and on Historic Preservation.
Point of Contact:
Elijah Lind
815-303-2825
programs@mcbettertogether.org
www.mcbettertogether.org
The Mercer County Career Center facilitates 'The Launchpad', an immersive, paid summer work experience program for high school juniors and seniors. The Launchpad links employers to potential future employees - high school students - and offers students something beyond a typical summer job by providing mentorship and a deeper understanding of a career they may be considering post-graduation.