Larkridge Funding Group, a small-business funding broker in Decatur, Illinois, lists free and public help for Macon County owners: Small Business Development Center advising, the SBA district office, state business and tax registration, City of Decatur licensing, economic development and chambers of commerce. Larkridge is not affiliated with any of them; lending partners make credit decisions and set rates and terms.
A note on searching for Macon County, Illinois
Several states have a Macon County, and a search for Macon County economic development tends to return other states' results before Illinois. Add 'Illinois' or 'IL' to every search, and check that a page is about Decatur, IL before you rely on it. The same goes for Decatur itself: the Census lists ten other places called Decatur in other states, and some of them rank first.
Free one-on-one advising: the SBDC
Small Business Development Centers are part of a public network funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration. They offer free one-on-one advising on business plans, financial projections and preparing for a funding request. Owners search for the Illinois SBDC network and its locator to find the nearest center.
The SBA district office
The U.S. Small Business Administration has district offices, each covering a set of counties. Owners with questions about SBA-backed loans, which are made by banks and other approved lenders rather than by Larkridge, can contact the office that covers Macon County, Illinois.
Registering an Illinois business
Forming an LLC or corporation and registering for state tax are separate steps handled by different parts of state government. For the tax side and why partners ask about it, see the Illinois REG-1 and MyTax guide.
The City of Decatur, IL and Macon County, IL
City and county governments handle local licenses, zoning and permits. Owners looking at premises can start with the Decatur, IL commercial space checklist.
Economic development
Owners search for Decatur, IL economic development when they want to know what local programs exist for growing or relocating a business. Ask the organization directly what it offers and who it works with.
Chambers of commerce
Chambers connect local businesses through events, referrals and advocacy. Owners in Decatur, IL search for both a general chamber of commerce and the Decatur, IL Black Chamber of Commerce. Ask each one what membership includes before joining.
Grants
Larkridge Funding Group works on repayable funding only, so grants fall outside what we do. Owners searching for Illinois or City of Decatur small business grants should ask the SBDC or the economic development organization above which programs are currently open.
Where Larkridge fits
The organizations above are independent public and nonprofit bodies, and Larkridge Funding Group is not affiliated with any of them. When an owner is ready to compare funding, the six options and the term loan page are good places to start. County figures are on our Decatur, IL page and the other guides on the resources page.
By Larkridge Funding Group · Updated