Does SBGI Serve Pre-Revenue Startups?
Learn how pre-revenue startups may qualify for free SBGI capital-readiness services and what business owners should have in place before applying.
Yes. The Small Business Growth Initiative may assist pre-revenue startups that are actively preparing to seek financing or other eligible business capital.
Do I need to be generating revenue?
No. A business does not necessarily have to be generating revenue to receive SBGI services. However, the business must be sufficiently developed for our team to provide meaningful capital-readiness assistance.
This generally means the business owner has a defined business concept, understands how the business will generate revenue, and is actively working toward launching or obtaining financing.
What other eligibility requirements apply?
The business must:
- Be located in Will, Kendall, Grundy, or Kankakee County
- Meet the program’s small-business eligibility requirements
- Be preparing to pursue financing or another eligible capital opportunity
- Complete the SBGI application and intake process
- Provide the information needed for our team to evaluate the business and recommend appropriate services
How can SBGI help a pre-revenue startup?
Depending on the business’s needs and readiness, assistance may include:
- Business and financial advisory services
- Financial projections and capital-readiness planning
- Legal assistance
- Business planning
- QuickBooks and recordkeeping support
- Connections to eligible lenders and other capital resources
SBGI does not provide grants or general startup assistance unrelated to preparing the business to access capital.
How is eligibility determined?
Each application is reviewed individually. Completing an application does not guarantee acceptance or a specific service. Our team will review the business’s location, eligibility, stage of development, capital goals, and service needs before determining whether SBGI is an appropriate fit.