Business Mentoring

The Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area is currently accepting applications for the third round of our business mentoring program, Circles of Seven (C7). C7 is a unique program designed to provide small and medium-sized business owners the opportunity to be mentored by a seasoned business person. The mentorship experience is conducted in a group setting with five other individuals seeking the same mentorship experience. C7 groups meet each month for a nine-month period to discuss a wide variety of business issues.

 

Entrepreneurs benefit through the relationships they build with others in their groups. They have an outlet to discuss business struggles or frustrations with others who may be experiencing similar hardships. Mentors offer wisdom and knowledge acquired from their experiences with growing their businesses. The program also offers an avenue for the sharing of new ideas and insight.

 

The next session of C7 will begin in September 2009. There is a $20 application fee and a $75 program fee. To register, download the application and send it to the EDC by August 21st. For more information, contact Brooke Weishaupt at brooke@bnbiz.org or (309) 452-8437.

 

 

Congratulations to our 2009 C7 graduates:

 

Ann Charback - JMC Photo & Digital Services

Jake Davis - Mavidea Technology Group

Lisa Duitsman - One Main Development

Pamala Eaton - Eaton Gallery & Design

Ryan Fiala - DP Dough

April Fritzen - The Coffee Hound

Ben Hauck - Ben Hauck Fine Art

Megan Jenkins - Station 710 Salon

Chad Jones - CJ Photography

Todd Lowder - Fitness Quest

Jerry Martin - Hobbyland

Jody Nord - Yellow Dwarf Solar Company

Kacy Rader - Fabulous Affairs

Stacey Rees - SAS Lawn Service

Dave Sandage - Four Seasons Heating & Cooling

Cliff Schoetmer - Schoettmer Enterprises

Cally Shane - Fabulous Affairs

Mike Shumaker - Midwest Fiber Inc. & Confidential On-Site Paper Shredding

Brian Simpson - Babbitt's Books

Jeff Stoller - Star Dot Electric

John Zozzaro - Zozzaro Chiropractic & Rehab

  

 

The EDC's strategic plan has as its foundation a concentration on local business retention and expansion. Eighty percent of all new jobs will come from local companies over the next several years. The EDC's ability to assist these local companies with expansion, job creation and capital investment is at the core of its mission.

 

The SBDC was established in March 2005 to help support and grow the businesses already in the area, as well as assist new businesses as they begin with a firm footing. More healthy businesses in the area means more jobs and better quality of life for everyone. Together, the EDC and SBDC are building a small and medium enterprise business infrastructure that will encourage and assist local businesses. Mentoring is a key component of the plan.