The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois (SBDC), hosted by the Small Business Growth Corporation, and Innovate Springfield have announced a new partnership to expand support for entrepreneurs and small businesses through the opening of a new SBDC office at Innovate Springfield.

The new location brings together two complementary resources for business growth in central Illinois, combining the SBDC’s no-cost, confidential advising services with Innovate Springfield’s collaborative, innovation-focused environment. The partnership is designed to improve access, strengthen connections and better serve startups and established businesses across the region.

Innovate Springfield is the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown hub for business incubation and talent development, located in the Horace Mann Educators Headquarters. As one of the 15 hubs in the Illinois Innovation Network, Innovate Springfield serves as a center for entrepreneurship, technology and workforce development. Housing the SBDC within the facility aligns the organization’s efforts to support business creation and economic development.

The Innovate Springfield office will provide space for one-on-one confidential business advising, client meetings and training sessions. The SBDC will continue to operate offices at CAP 1908 and the Small Business Growth Corporation, ensuring service across its 12-county area.

“Expanding into Innovate Springfield allows us to meet entrepreneurs where ideas are being built and businesses are growing,” said Kevin Lust, executive director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois. “Being embedded in a forward-thinking hub enhances our ability to support innovation, provide timely guidance, and help businesses move from concept to sustainability. Plus, this marks our return to downtown, which has always been the heart of small business in Springfield.”

Innovate Springfield leaders say the partnership enhances the support available to founders working within the incubator and across the region.

“We’re excited to welcome the SBDC into Innovate Springfield,” said Rob Kerr, executive director of UIS Innovation and Opportunity. “This partnership strengthens our shared mission to foster entrepreneurship and economic development by giving founders direct access to expert guidance alongside a vibrant community of innovators.”

Through its expanded presence, the SBDC will continue offering no-cost, confidential business assistance, including:

• Business planning and strategy development
• Capital acquisition and financial guidance
• Marketing and customer development
• Support for startups and existing small businesses

“This expansion is about access and impact,” added Sara Vanhala, president of the Small Business Growth Corporation. “By working side-by-side with entrepreneurs in this space, the SBDC can better support their goals and help them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.”

Entrepreneurs can schedule appointments beginning in February at the new Innovate Springfield location on the SBDC website. When booking, select the Innovate Springfield office to request an appointment at the new location.

An event to mark the opening of the new SBDC office at Innovate Springfield will take place at 9 a.m. Feb. 19, coinciding with an Illinois Local networking event. The event is open to the public. Registration is encouraged and available online.

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About the Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois (SBDC)
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois (SBDC) provides no-cost, confidential business advising and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow, and thrive through expert guidance, education, and access to resources.

About Innovate Springfield
Innovate Springfield, part of the University of Illinois Springfield, is a collaborative hub designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses through shared workspace, programming, and partnerships. The organization fosters innovation, economic development, and community connection in a forward-thinking environment.