News Relevant to DeKalb County

 

DCEDC Strategic Plan Update

Designed to support the organization's mission statement: "DCEDC is a public/private partnership working to facilitate sustainable economic growth within DeKalb County" the strategic plan identifies five key goals, specific objectives and strategies for accomplishing the work and desired outcomes.

In 2010 we have targeted Goal Four: Enhance and Promote the DeKalb County Business Climate. We will do this by:

  • Expanding collaboration with NIU and Kishwaukee College
  • Supporting entrepreneurship and business expansion
  • Encouraging business incubator development
  • Promoting innovation and emerging business opportunities
  • Assisting development of business and technology parks

Click here for plan documents: Strategic Plan Outline, Detailed Strategic Plan, Strategic Plan Implementation Schedule


Kish College Employment Fair Announced

The Annual Kishwaukee College Employment Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21 from 5-8pm and Thursday, April 22 from 9am-Noon in the Kishwaukee College Conference Center. This event draws hundreds of job seekers from DeKalb and Ogle Counties and affords a great way to get opportunities at your company in front of qualified applicants.

For information on exhibiting at the event contact Michelle Pease at 815/825-2086, ext. 3590 or mpease@kishwaukeecollege.edu.


DeKalb County Small Business Loans Now Available

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) advises that up to $44,223 is available to participate in small business loans within DeKalb County. The DeKalb County Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Revolving Loan Program is seeking to be involved in one or two small business loans that will create jobs filled by low-income individuals.

This program may fund up to 60% of a project with the balance coming from a bank loan and private equity. The maximum term of the loan is 10 years. The interest rate for the CSBG portion of the project is intended to be below market and subject to business and credit quality.

A minimum of one job must be created for every $20,000 borrowed. Eligible low-income individuals must be hired within 12 months of loan closing and the jobs must be filled by low-income persons for a minimum of 24 months.

These limited funds are available to qualified projects on a first come, first serve basis. Applications are encouraged as soon as possible. No applications will be accepted after July 31, 2010 to allow closing and disbursement to occur prior to a September 30, 2010 deadline.

For information and applications please contact:

Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance

DeKalb County is a community that is well aware of the advantages small business owners and entrepreneurs bring to the area. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration website, independent firms having less than 500 employees represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms. They employ approximately half of all private sector employees and have generated 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs annually during the past 10 years. It is with this in mind that DeKalb County has a number of resources available to these individuals and groups.

The DeKalb County organizations that are available to small business owners and entrepreneurs include:

  • Elgin Community College Small Business Development Center
  • Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education
  • Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center
  • DeKalb County Chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
  • Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC)

They provide assistance with business planning, marketing, employee training, process improvements, technology and financing. For more information on all of these resources Click Here.


Illinois workNet Center Releases the March Calendar

The Illinois workNet Center aids the workforce by connecting job seekers and employers. It provides education, training and employment opportunities.

The March calendar details the many events happening this month including classes, workshops, labs and discussion groups. This month free educational sessions on "Health Insurance Options", "Conflict Resolution: How to Deal with Difficult People" and "E-Resumes and E-Mailing Your Resume: Do You Know How?" are being offered. For a copy of the calendar or a flyer on the upcoming sessions, click below.

March Calendar

Health Insurance Options Educational Sessions

E-Resumes Flyer

Conflict Resolution Flyer

  
   
"));