What is the Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI)?
Learn what SBGI is, how we help Illinois entrepreneurs, and why our funding readiness program exists.
Welcome to the Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) — a no-cost technical assistance program for Illinois-based small businesses. We exist to help entrepreneurs unlock capital, scale operations, and build sustainable growth trajectories.
Our Mission
SBGI’s mission is to provide expert financial, legal, and business guidance to founders and micro enterprises so they can access the funding and operational capacity they deserve.
Why It Exists
Many small businesses struggle not for lack of ideas, but due to barriers in accessing capital (poor credit, weak financials, lack of familiarity with funding requirements, etc.). SBGI bridges that gap by lowering those barriers and providing hands-on support so that entrepreneurs can compete.
How We Operate
- Our work is funded via Illinois’ SSBCI Technical Assistance program (at no cost to participants).
- Entrepreneurs apply, and if eligible, are assigned a business support team to guide them.
- We assist with accounting, legal structure, financial projections, loan/grant packaging, certification, and more.