Small Business Incubator
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist with the Equity and Engagement Department, facilitated a follow-up meeting with The Springfield Project, H3, First Followers, and Business Elevator. This meeting built upon an initial meeting , in which the organizations toured an incubator space in Springfield, guided by The Springfield Project. The follow-up […]
Visiting The Springfield Project’s CAP 1908 site
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager, and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist with the Equity and Engagement Department, participated in an incubator tour of The Springfield Project’s CAP 1908 site. This project aims to collaborate with public agencies and private partners to facilitate community development and revitalization, foster diversity development initiatives, […]
Small Business CONNECT Roundtable and Networking Event
On October 2, 2024, Tracy Parsons and Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department participated in the Small Business CONNECT Roundtable and Networking Event, hosted by the Campus Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice. This event brought together local business owners and economic development organizations to discuss the post-pandemic landscape for small businesses, addressing […]
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 […]
H3 | Meet and Greet Social
On July 13, 2024, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the Meet and Greet Social, sponsored by H3. The event focused on building community connections. City staff presented information to local small businesses. The presentation covered City programs and resources, necessary materials for CDAP certification, upcoming events for business development, and other […]
Library’s Business Services Featured in New Episode of Champaign Spotlight
Ready to take your business to the next level? Find out how the Champaign Public Library can help in the latest episode of Champaign Spotlight! In this new episode Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton speaks with Adult Services Manager Jordan Neal to learn about the treasure trove of resources the library has for local businesses. Discover how […]
CDAP Site Visits for City Projects Begin
Purchasing and Compliance Specialist, Adonis Fuller, began CDAP (Champaign Diversity Advancement Program) site visits for City projects on June 21, at the Bradley Avenue Improvements project that runs from Staley Avenue to Bluegrass Lane, Champaign, IL. CDAP site visits are to ensure compliance towards good faith efforts in subcontracting and workforce goals. The City’s objective […]
Hopscotch Bakery Opening is Sweet News for Small Business Incentive Program
Hopscotch Bakery and Market had their soft opening on July 14. Hopscotch is a woman-owned business registered in the City of Champaign’s Small Business Incentive Program. Business owner Kaya Tate showed patrons her new store and offered samples during the open house. Hopscotch officially opened its doors to the public on July 19. They sell desserts, […]
Small Business Incentive Program Participant is Open for Business
Yolanda Wilson has officially opened the doors of her new restaurant, Hybrid Fit Foods. Located at 401 East University Avenue, Suite 101 (just west of the new Latitude Development), the restaurant features smoothies, sandwiches, soups and salads. Ms. Wilson was one of the first participants in the City’s new Small Business Incentive Program. Under the […]
Planning & Development Staff Presents Small Business Incentives
Senior Planner for Economic Development T.J. Blakeman presented the City’s Small Business Incentive Program at Small Business Week, hosted by the Small Business Development Center. Approximately twenty entrepreneurs and service providers attended the event. Entrepreneurs were excited to learn about opportunities for financial assistance with financial, marketing, and legal start up expenses. Service providers including […]