Peoria, Illinois, boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem supported by a variety of organizations and programs dedicated to fostering business growth and innovation. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing business, the following resources can provide valuable assistance.
Turner Center for Entrepreneurship
Located at Bradley University, the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship offers comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and business owners. Their services include personalized business counseling, technical assistance, and educational programs designed to guide businesses through various stages of development. The center encompasses several specialized units:
- Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Provides no-cost business counseling and low-cost training programs for both new and existing businesses in Central Illinois.
- Illinois APEX Accelerator: Assists small businesses in navigating government contracting opportunities, aiming to strengthen the U.S. supply chain by expanding the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts.
Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
As part of the Turner Center, the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center serves as a hub for startups, offering office space, resources, and a collaborative environment to foster innovation. It supports entrepreneurs by providing access to mentoring, networking opportunities, and essential business services.
Peoria County Government Assistance Program (GAP)
Peoria County’s GAP is a revolving loan program designed to bridge the financial gap between traditional private financing and project costs. It offers low-interest loans to entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to start or expand their businesses, with funding provided through the State of Illinois’ Community Development Assistance Program grant funds.
Distillery Labs
Distillery Labs is an innovation hub focused on supporting entrepreneurs by providing space, resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Peoria by connecting startups with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Minority Business Development Center (MBDC)
The MBDC offers an Entrepreneurship Training Program tailored to aspiring business owners in the Greater Peoria community. The program emphasizes essential tools and resources necessary for success, including business planning, development, and ongoing support for continued profitability.
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce provides a range of resources to help businesses start and grow. Their offerings include access to business assistance programs, networking events, and information on local economic development initiatives.
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC)
GPEDC offers business assistance services to help companies navigate and access local, state, and federal resources and programs. Their goal is to support business growth and economic development in the Greater Peoria area.
By leveraging these resources, entrepreneurs in Peoria can access the support and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, contributing to the region’s economic vitality and innovation.