Business Development
Business Development programs are structured to help West Side businesses from start-up through growth phases. Our goal is to build a healthy business climate and create jobs for West Side residents. We believe that it is essential that the economy of the West Side move from one of high levels of government support and low levels of sustainability into the mainstream regional economy, interconnected with the economy of the larger region and producing a net export economy for the West Side.
West Side Forward provides unique expertise in supporting business development in underserved communities for 40 years, lending expertise and leadership insights to other NBDC’s in the network., developing white papers and presenting on best practices that other program providers can emulate.
Neighborhood Business Development Center
Funded through the City of Chicago’s Business Affairs & Consumer Protection Department NBDC provides customized support for business within the local community.
Qualified companies receive:
• Technical Assistance
• Coaching/Mentoring
• Connecting To Financial Resources
• Connections To Corporate Supply Chains
• Business-To-Business Networking Opportunities
• Workforce Development AssistanceAccessing Capital
Access to capital is a major growth challenge for many businesses, especially those on Chicago’s West Side.
WSF provides a variety of resources to assist in accessing funds for:
- Start-up capital
- Operations and expansion capital
- Increasing inventory
- Renovating space
- Operations & expansion
- Purchasing furniture/equipment
- Constructing an addition to a building
Supporting Manufacturers
Our experienced and expert staff is supporting the renaissance of manufacturing on Chicago’s West Side – one manufacturer at a time. With over 170 manufacturing businesses generating over $1.5 billion in annual revenues, Bethel’s SBDC is assuring that it is not business as usual for West Side manufacturers.
Small Business Development Center
Offering confidential counseling, workshops and technical assistance to businesses throughout the Chicagoland area.
Upcoming SBDC Workshops here.
New Business Incubation
WSF provides direct support for up to five new businesses each 12-month period. These businesses receive office/operating space at well below market-value rates, support from Bethel’s business counselors within our Small Business Development Center, and access to NBI-only seminars and activities. The goal of the program is to provide the greatest likelihood of success for the launch and sustainability of these businesses.
- Illinois SBDC
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at West Side provides training, confidential counseling and technical assistance to new and existing small businesses throughout the Chicagoland area.
- Business Support
- Resources to Support Your Business
Get access to expert business support
We're partnering with Small Business Majority to offer Venturize, a free platform with the education and resources you need to make the best financing decision for your small business.
ChiBizHub
A local professional resource network that will serve Chicago small businesses and start-ups by creating an eco-system that the provides tools to make dreams into thriving businesses.
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