Small Business / Entrepreneurial Support

Rockford’s small business community thrives through a strong network of local, regional, and state partners working alongside the City to provide guidance, resources, and hands-on support. Together, this collaborative ecosystem helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their operations through technical assistance, training, mentorship, and access to essential programs. From early-stage planning to expansion and long-term sustainability, Rockford’s unified approach ensures small businesses have the tools, expertise, and connections needed to succeed.

Business First

View the Business First web page.

Personalized sessions where entrepreneurs meet with regulatory stakeholders to discuss requirements to start a business in Rockford at a commercial location.

Illinois Small Business Development Center

View the Illinois Small Business Development Center website.

Business guidance, training, capital advisory, and resources to help both start-up and existing small businesses.

Rockford Local Development Corporation

View the Rockford Local Development Corporation website.

A service-oriented commercial lender that simplifies the loan application process as a small business champion and catalyst for community and economic development.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

View the DCEO website.

DCEO has a mission to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois.

Illinois Secretary of State

View the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Provides documents such as, incorporation documents, annual reports, and amendments for businesses.

Winnebago County Clerk

View the Winnebago County Clerk website.

Administers “Doing Business As” or “DBA” business licenses and Certificates of Ownership. 

Small Business Newsletter

Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter with resources and updates.

This monthly newsletter provides information on new businesses in Rockford, events, funding opportunities and other small business resources

Accelerating Creatives & Entrepreneurs (ACE): COMPASS

View the ACE website.

Providing entrepreneurs with a guide to a network of resources throughout their business cycle. 

Think Big 

View the Think Big website.

Minority and women development organization focused on assisting and connecting entrepreneurs to start and sustain small businesses.