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Madeleine Wolske Named Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
carly@champaigncountyedc.org
217-649-2586

Madeleine Wolske Named Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

CHAMPAIGN, IL, February 20, 2023 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to announce Madeleine Wolske as its new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. She begins the role today, February 20.

Wolske most recently served as the Business Librarian at Champaign Public Library, where she led business services, including providing direct assistance to small businesses and developing innovative programming. In addition to years of experience supporting small businesses, she also owns her own small business. Wolske earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

“We’re thrilled to have Madeleine join our team,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “Her extensive experience, innovative thinking, results-oriented leadership, and collaborative spirit will be valuable for our center and community. I’m confident she’ll be able to build, sustain, and expand partnerships.”

As the SBDC Director, Wolske is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the SBDC, including advisory services to clients, oversight of budget activities, required reporting, and supervision of the International Trade Center. Additionally, Wolske will represent the SBDC program at a local and regional level within the economic development and business communities and collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.

“With her expertise and passion for entrepreneurship, we are confident that Madeleine’s contributions will build upon the strong foundation of the Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC,” stated Ericka White, State Director of the Illinois SBDC Network. “Additionally, her breadth and extensive knowledge will strengthen the Illinois program as she collaborates with her peers throughout the state.”

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is part of the Illinois SBDC Network, one of the largest SBDC networks in the nation. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and administered through DCEO’s Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology, the Illinois SBDC network provides information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for startups and existing small businesses. Services include one-on-one business advising, including business and marketing plan development, financial analysis and planning, access to market information and business financing programs, and business education and training opportunities.

“It’s a privilege to continue serving our business community at a greater capacity with the resources at SBDC,” stated Wolske. “I look forward to facilitating collaborative and inclusive opportunities for small business owners and actively working to reduce barriers within entrepreneurship. I’m excited to listen and connect with our small business community to better support their goals.”

Wolske can be reached at mw@cusbdc.org or 217-531-1991. Visit https://www.cusbdc.org/ to learn more about the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is located at 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign. SBDC meetings, available in person or virtually, are by appointment only. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port.

About Champaign County Economic Development Corporation:

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that entail job creation, job retention, tax base enhancements, small business development, and promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic development by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts. Learn more at https://www.champaigncountyedc.org/.

 About Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC:

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is the host organization to the SBDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC). The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. SBDC services are confidential and provided to hundreds of businesses annually at no cost. Learn more at https://www.cusbdc.org/.

 

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SBA Administrator Linda McMahon Visits Champaign

Through our Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and in partnership with University of Illinois Research Park, we were honored to host U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon in Champaign today, September 24.

This visit is a continuation of the Administrator’s nationwide SBA Ignite Tour dedicated to highlighting SBA programs that help entrepreneurs start businesses, grow their companies, and create jobs in the local community.

We highlighted small businesses in our community, including Serionix, AirScout, Petronics, and Reconstruct – all located in EnterpriseWorks at University of Illinois Research Park.

In addition to showcasing small businesses, we also talked about our local entrepreneurial ecosystem and the services / programs we have in place to help small businesses succeed, including services through the SBDC / International Trade Center and programs like University of Illinois Research Park’s Shared Services Program and the City of Champaign’s Small Business Incentive Program.

View photos here.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration: The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Press:

International Trade Center Awarded Governor’s Export Award

CHAMPAIGN, IL, May 30, 2018 – The International Trade Center of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC proudly accepted the Export Awareness and Development Award at the 2018 Governor’s Export Awards, held at the Union League Club of Chicago on May 24th.

The Governor’s Export Awards are Illinois’ highest recognition of export achievement, honoring Illinois companies that have achieved excellence in exporting, as well as organizations that provide export assistance.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition,” said Craig Rost, Executive Director of the Champaign County EDC. “Our International Trade Center plays a critical role in growing our regional economy by helping companies export their products and identify areas for international trade opportunities.”

The International Trade Center is dedicated to providing resources, advising, and training to existing and new-to-export manufacturing companies in Central and East Central Illinois. By developing and expanding their international trade, it helps make our Illinois economy stronger and more competitive, increases company profits through exports, and sustains and creates new jobs.

Since its inception in 2013, the International Trade Center has assisted 78 clients, held 20 export training workshops, seminars and events with 415 attendees, and increased export sales by $54 million. Additionally, 19 clients have benefited from the Illinois State Trade Export Promotion Program (ISTEP), receiving nearly $80,000 in foreign travel reimbursement.

“Kathie Cravens and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at the Champaign County EDC have provided remarkable support and guidance for area firms seeking to expand their export sales or to explore international trade as a way to expand their existing markets,” said Mark Petrilli, Illinois SBDC State Director. “The experience, expertise and knowledge provided to these businesses has been invaluable and has dramatically increased exports in Illinois.”

EP Purification, a Champaign company that manufactures innovative and environmentally sound systems for the purification of water and air, was awarded the New Exporter Award. Dr. Sung-Jin Park, co-founder and CTO, was in attendance to accept the award. The New Exporter Award highlights companies that have begun exporting products or services within the last three years.

Illinois’ export industry helps create high paying jobs here at home and contributes millions to the state’s economy. The State of Illinois is the number one exporting state in the Midwest and fifth in the United States. Last year alone, $65 billion worth of Illinois manufactured products were sold all around the world. Illinois’ exporting growth outpaced the national average by nearly 31 percent.

About the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC:

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is part of America’s Small Business Development Center Network, the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States, and provides information, confidential business guidance, training and other resources to startup and existing small businesses.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port. Learn more at http://www.cusbdc.org/.

View photos here.

Decatur, Champaign EDCs Announce Partnership

From the press release:

DECATUR, IL, April 19, 2017 – Businesses in the Decatur area now have local access to the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States. Officials from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Decatur – Macon County and Champaign County EDC announced the expansion of the Illinois Small Business Development Center and International Trade Center.

“Strategic relationships with quality organizations like the Champaign County EDC will bring additional resources to benefit businesses in the Decatur community,” said Ryan McCrady, President of the EDC of Decatur – Macon County. “This will also help improve the economic development opportunities in all of Central Illinois. Combining the unique assets of Macon and Champaign counties will create a formidable presence with respect to business attraction and expansion in the region.”

The Champaign County EDC hosts the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the region, and with the new partnership these services will be offered on a regular basis through the Decatur EDC. Led by Don Elmore, the SBDC assists in job creation, supports entrepreneurship, business start-up, expansion, productivity, and works to sharpen small business management in the region. The EDCs and partners accomplish this through one-on-one counseling, technical assistance, training seminars, information provision, networking opportunities and business development and real estate expertise.

Expanding the reach of small business development initiatives beyond Illinois, similar partnerships in regions like Florida play a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. Just as the Champaign County EDC champions small business support, counterparts in Florida, such as those affiliated with https://exprealty.com/us/fl/orlando/, contribute to the fabric of local economies by providing essential resources and expertise. hrough collaborative efforts between economic development organizations and real estate professionals, communities flourish, businesses thrive, and families find not just houses, but the spaces where memories are made and futures are forged.

The vast exporting capabilities of the Midwest Inland Port bring the need for additional services to be offered locally through the International Trade Center (ITC). ITC provides support in evaluating a company’s readiness to export, shipping and logistics, compliance regulations, international business planning, and more. Headed by certified International Trade Specialist, Kathie Cravens, ITC is uniquely qualified to provide a wide range of assistance in all aspects of international trade and export assistance. From in-depth advice on international trade techniques to export processes and international market opportunities, the ITC can play an advisory role at no cost.

“The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is thrilled to provide business development and international trade services through the EDC of Decatur & Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port,” said Craig Rost, Executive Director of Champaign County EDC. “Our counties comprise a regional workforce and business environment in Central Illinois – working together will develop new business and employment growth in our communities and enhance an already strong regional workforce, which in turn will attract new employers to our counties.”

Decatur based manufacturing company T/CCI has been utilizing the services of the International Trade Services for several years. “At first, I was driving to Wisconsin for exporting seminars,” said Shirley Leevy, Inventory/Logistics Manager for T/CCI. “The requirements and forms to export are constantly changing and a company needs expert guidance to stay up-to-date on what you need to know and what you need to meet to export your company’s goods. Having accesses to these resources in Decatur will be a huge benefit to local businesses and will save the expense in both money and time from traveling elsewhere for the training seminars.”

An Illinois SBDC “Starting Your Business in Illinois” workshop will be held at the Decatur EDC office on May 11th from 9-11 AM, and on May 25th from 2-4 PM. Attendees must RSVP by contacting carly@champaigncountyedc.org or 217-359-6261.

Both the SBDC and the ITC will have regularly scheduled appointment sessions at the Decatur EDC office. The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port.

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Press:

Macon and Champaign County EDC Announce Partnership [VIDEO], Now Decatur

Partnership will boost Macon County businesses, Herald&Review

Decatur Businesses Working to Succeed Together, Fox Illinois

Decatur Businesses Working to Succeed Together, Springfield News Channel 20

Champaign & Decatur EDC’s Work Together To Expand Small Business Development Services, WILL

New project helps launch small business, WCIA 3 News

 

 

SBA Regional Administrator Marianne Markowitz Presents $100,000 Boost to Champaign’s Small Business Opportunities

The U.S. Small Business Administration was in town this morning to present $100,000 total in awards, including $50,000 to the City of Champaign, one of SBA’s 28 Startup in a Day winners, and $50,000 to EnterpriseWorks at University of Illinois Research Park, one of Illinois’ four Growth Accelerator Fund Competition winners. These awards will help boost Champaign-Urbana-area small business growth and economic development by supporting the collaboration of government offices, educational institutions, and public-private partnerships.

SBA Check Presentation

The SBA’s first-ever Startup in a Day Competition was created to help U.S. cities simplify the licensing process so entrepreneurs can startup in a day. In total, $1.6 million was awarded to 26 cities, including Champaign, and two Native American tribes. The City is receiving $50,000 for its Virtual Incubator Program, which is a partnership between all local agencies providing entrepreneurship services throughout Champaign County. The Virtual Incubator is to be managed and coordinated by the local Small Business Development Center, which is supported by the SBA and based out of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.

EnterpriseWorks received a $50,000 to help fund its successful I-Start program, which accelerates the technology commercialization process for university startups with access to various resources in their ­first year. Since the Growth Accelerator Fund’s inception in 2014, more than 5,100 jobs have been created or sustained, more than 1,450 startups have been served and approximately $600 million of capital has been raised by the startups.

 

 

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