City of Champaign Launches Second Round of Small Business Programs
Applications accepted through October 26, 2025 The City of Champaign, in partnership with the Champaign County Economic Development Center, is excited to launch a second round of the New and Growing Business Programs. These programs are designed to help start and grow small businesses in the City of Champaign by providing financial assistance and technical […]
City Staff Presents for National Small Business Week
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist (Equity and Engagement), and Adonis Fuller, Purchasing and Compliance Specialist (Finance), participated in the Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) webinar series in recognition of National Small Business Week. During the session, City staff presented information on the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP), highlighting the City’s […]
Steps to Starting a Small Business
On Monday, September 16, 2024, Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager (E&E) presented a the Champaign Public Library. This event focused on workers and human rights at the Welcoming Week Event: Steps to Starting a Small Business. The event was hosted in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and The Refugee Project. Attendees learned about […]
CDAP Presentation
Adonis Fuller, the City of Champaign’s Purchasing / Compliance Specialist attended a webinar hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on February 18, 2022. Mr. Fuller provided an overview of City of Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP) program, including how to become a CDAP vendor. To watch Mr. Fuller’s CDAP presentation, please click here. […]
Incentive Program Makes Big Investments in Small Businesses
The City of Champaign launched its Small Business Incentive Program in May 2016 when City Council approved $230,000 in one-time money for Small Business Development. The program is a matching grant where approved applicants can receive up to $7,000 in reimbursements for one-time business related expenses including marketing, financial assistance, education, legal assistance, equipment and […]
City Staff Visits Midwest Inland Port in Decatur
T.J. Blakeman, Senior Planner for Economic Development, joined SBDC staff and local business owners on a fact finding trip to Decatur to learn about the 3-year-old Midwest Inland Port. This port represents a major benefit to the cities in our region as it allows direct connections to nearly every major sea port in the United […]