SBDC Oakton College

Name: SBDC Oakton College
Address: 1600 E Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL, 60016, US
Telephone: +18476351645

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SBDC Oakton College

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Oakton provides free and confidential business advising to entrepreneurs in Illinois.

Additional advising services include financial analysis, needs assessments, market projections, and more.

09/03/2026

Ahead of Labor Day this Monday, September 7, the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College recognizes the workers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners whose dedication keeps our communities moving forward.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful holiday weekend. We’ll be back and ready to continue supporting your business goals after the holiday. (Tuesday 9/8, )

Happy Labor Day from the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College!

08/31/2026

Throughout the program, our cohort worked on defining their “why,” developing their ideas, building sustainable business models, and connecting with the resources and people that can help them grow.

Recognition may mark the end of the cohort, but it’s not the end of the journey. The Illinois SBDC at Oakton College is here to continue supporting each entrepreneur with no-cost advising, resources, and an ongoing business partnership.

Congratulations to our Kickstarter entrepreneurs! We’re excited to see what comes next!

08/25/2026

Two days, three opportunities to connect with the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College and strengthen your business.

Wednesday, August 26
📍 Skokie Public Library | 3–6 PM
Meet one-on-one with an SBDC advisor for support with financing, marketing, social media, business planning, and more.

📍 Northbrook Chamber | 1–5 PM
Schedule a 60-minute mentoring session with SCORE and the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College to talk through your business challenges, goals, and next steps.

Thursday, August 27
📍 Evanston Kickstarter Program Cohort Recognition | 6:30–9:30 PM
Join us as we celebrate our Kickstarter entrepreneurs, recognize their progress, and connect with Evanston’s small business community.

Interested in joining us? Find registration and event details through the Northbrook Chamber and Skokie Public Library, and check our page for more information on the Kickstarter Recognition.

https://www.northbrookchamber.org/
https://www.skokielibrary.info/events/month

08/20/2026

Join the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College and the City of Evanston as we celebrate the inaugural Evanston Kickstarter Program cohort and bring together Evanston’s M/W/D/EBE business community.

Following the recognition, join the City of Evanston M/W/D/EBE Committee for a post-reception mixer with local minority, women, and disadvantaged-owned business owners. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, build new relationships, and expand your network.

Plus, registered Evanston businesses in attendance that complete the survey will have a chance to **win a mini-grant on the spot, with up to $5,000 being given away!**

📅 Thursday, August 27
⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM
📍 The Aux Evanston
🎟️ Free to attend — RSVP required

Come celebrate the cohort, connect with Evanston’s business community, and discover what’s next.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kickstarter-program-cohort-recognition-mwdebe-business-mixer-tickets-1996510071368

08/18/2026

Keep going! ...but understand what you’re working toward.

A good business starts with more than a good idea. Knowing your why, setting clear goals and having someone to hold you accountable can make the difference between an idea that fades and one that lasts.

Whether you’re an Oakton student or a community member exploring entrepreneurship, learning a trade, building a side business, or already working for yourself, our advisors can help you figure out what comes next - and keep you moving toward it.

You bring the skills and the idea. We’ll help you build the plan.

Free, confidential 1:1 business advising.

08/13/2026

Our latest Illinois SBDC at Oakton College newsletter is out!

Catch up on upcoming events, business resources, SBDC updates, and opportunities designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners in our community.

Check your inbox or visit the link in our bio to read the latest edition!

https://conta.cc/4hW0aHf

Don't miss out: Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our Evanston Kickstarter participants and recognize their hard work throughout the program.

August 27 | The Aux Evanston (6:30-9:30PM)
RSVP Information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kickstarter-program-cohort-recognition-mwdebe-business-mixer-tickets-1996510071368

08/11/2026

Have an idea but not sure what comes next?

The Illinois SBDC at Oakton College can help you take the next step. From developing your business idea and building your brand to exploring funding and learning new technology, our advisors are here to help you move from idea to ex*****on.

And you don’t need to have everything figured out before meeting with us.

Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship, building a side hustle, freelancing, or already working on a business, you can access free, confidential 1:1 business advising right here at Oakton.

Swipe to see some of the ways we can help →

You are not alone. Start building.

08/05/2026

You don't have to wait until graduation to start building your future.

Whether you're interested in launching a business, freelancing, opening an online shop, or turning a class project into something bigger, the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College offers no-cost business advising to help you move forward.

Our advisors can help you:
• Start a business
• Build a business plan
• Develop your brand
• Learn marketing
• Explore funding options
• Connect with business resources

Business ownership starts with one conversation.

Schedule your free advising session today.

08/03/2026

Retail continues to evolve, and today's customers expect convenience at every step of their buying journey.

Maintaining a strong digital presence is becoming just as important as your physical one. Businesses that meet customers where they shop are better positioned to grow, choosing to optimize their Google Business Profiles, online reviews, social media and e-commerce platforms.

The Illinois SBDC at Oakton College provides no-cost business advising to help entrepreneurs strengthen their online presence, improve their marketing strategies, and identify opportunities for growth.

What industry do you want to see the spotlight on next?

07/30/2026

Running a business means learning never stops.

Whether you're launching a startup, refining your marketing strategy, exploring financing options, or looking to grow your business, the Illinois SBDC Network offers a wide variety of free webinars, workshops, and on-demand training designed to help you succeed. Many sessions are available virtually, and on-demand training lets you learn whenever it fits your schedule.

From business planning and digital marketing to AI, financial management, and more, there's training for every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.

Browse upcoming events and access on-demand learning here:

https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events?reset=1

Need guidance specific to your business? Pair these trainings with no-cost, one-on-one advising from the Illinois SBDC at Oakton College to turn what you learn into action. The Illinois SBDC Network combines business education with confidential advising to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Address

1600 E Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL
60016

Telephone

+18476351645

Website

https://www.oakton.edu/audiences/small-business-development-center.php

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