SmartStart Morton

01/08/2025

If you are a small business owner looking to launch a new product/service or looking to expand your business, apply to The Fortress Bank Tank from Fortress Bank!

You can win $20K for your business! Hurry! Applications due January 17th.

If you need help with the application, let us know! We are here to help 😊

Do you want to look as happy as these guys?! Well... you could! There are just 10 days left to apply to pitch your business for a chance at $20,000 at this year's Bank Tank event! If you are a business owner, have a business idea, or know of someone who does, get those applications in! Apply at https://www.bankfortress.com/bank-tank/

12/23/2024

📝Get ready to take A LOT of notes!!

If you missed the Goal Setting Webinar last week, we have the video replay ready for you. This is a fantastic resource to walk you through the steps of setting and reaching your small business goals for 2025!🚀

⭐Thanks to Karen Shorey of Impact Leadership Group and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce for making this webinar possible!

⭐⭐⭐Get the webinar link in our bio!

12/17/2024

One of the most important things you can do for your business at the end of the year is to set goals for next year!📈

Join us today for a special goal setting webinar with leadership coach Karen Shorey where you will learn how to set the right goals and make the plans necessary to acheive them. Planning & Goal Setting For Small Business Owners

12/15/2024

This is an awesome opportunity for local small businesses to get strategic assistance. Apply soon!

Past projects included:

*Market research for new products to evaluate feasibility
*Evaluating inventory management policies and procedures
*Analysis of location options for business expansions
*Assessing customer satisfaction
*Strategic growth plan
*Comprehensive marketing strategy

Business Owners- Do you have a viable strategic growth plan in place? Do you need one?
Do you need to improve your current plan?

Bradley's Illinois SBDC may just have the answer for you. We are accepting applications for the Spring Senior Consulting Project Program.

Applications are accepted from established companies interested in participating in the Senior Consulting Project (SCP) Program for the Spring 2025 semester (January 22 – May 14). Teams of senior-level business students spend the semester working, in a consulting capacity, on business issues facing central Illinois' small businesses.

These consulting projects are provided at no cost to companies that meet the SBA definition of a small business (generally 500 employees or less).

Each semester approximately 10 - 12 projects are completed. Every project includes a detailed industry and competitor analysis as well as a survey that is administered by the students on your behalf. Each project also includes a customized element selected by you.

Examples of projects:
*Market research for new products to evaluate feasibility
*Evaluating inventory management policies and procedures
*Analysis of location options for business expansions
*Assessing customer satisfaction
*Strategic growth plan
*Comprehensive marketing strategy

The project culminates at the end of the semester, with an oral presentation and a written report for their client that includes recommendations and implementation suggestions.

Benefits to the company:
*strategic improvements
*enhancing operational effectiveness
*offered at no cost

For full consideration, apply before the deadline: Friday, January 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
More program details and to apply: https://buff.ly/3VmZDAX

12/10/2024

Join the entire Tazewell County SmartStart community for this special year end webinar Planning & Goal Setting For Small Business Owners.

Leadership coach Karen Storey will help you:

✅ Define what success looks like for your business in 2025.
✅ Break down your vision into actionable monthly, weekly, and daily steps.
✅ Gain practical tools to stay focused and confident as you crush your goals.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to build serious momentum, this session will set you up for success. Let’s make 2025 YOUR year!

📅 December 17th
⌚ 5 PM – 6 PM
📍 Online via Zoom

12/03/2024

A local business helping other local businesses!

✨Free webinar Dec. 9th. - Grow My Biz LLC

12/02/2024

✨Cyber Monday is a great time to get amazing deals on small business apps and software!

For instance, QuickBooks is available for 70% off for the first 3 months! https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

11/22/2024

Want an easy button for social media content creation, direct mailers, and other business forms? Try the Canva Small Business Kit!

What's included?

⭐Ready-to-use templates for logos, business cards, social media posts, and more!
⭐Easy drag-and-drop tools to customize designs to fit your brand's vibe.
⭐Time-saving resources to keep you focused on growing your business.

Even if you have no design skills, Canva will make you look like a pro!

Maximize your potential and get your everyday tasks done with Canva’s Small Business Work Kit. Access tips, tools, and templates, all in one place.

11/21/2024

In today’s competitive market, a well-crafted marketing strategy is essential for the growth and success of your small business. However, not everyone has the resources to hire expensive marketing professionals or agencies.

This is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. 🤖

Our beginner-friendly workshop is designed specifically for small business owners like you, providing you with the tools and knowledge to create an effective marketing strategy without breaking the bank.

📅 Monday, November 25
⌚ Noon
📍 Online via Zoom

✅ Learn about ChatGPT and its capabilities in assisting with marketing tasks.
✅ Receive step-by-step guidance on developing a tailored marketing strategy for your business using ChatGPT.

⭐⭐⭐Get more info, RSVP, and get the Zoom link through the link in our bio

11/19/2024

Is everyone ready for Small Business Saturday?? What is your business doing special for that day?

When you ✨shop local✨ you 💙support local💙

11/15/2024

How do I get an EIN for my business?
Do I need to have a state license for my business?
What do I need to know before opening a storefront?
How can I create a business plan?
Do I need an accountant?

Get these questions and more answered, plus get connected to local resource providers to help you along the way with the SmartStart Dashboard! Access at no-cost through the link in our bio.