Who We Are

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at SSEGI is a collaborative partnership between the South Suburban Mayors and Managers (SSMMA), the South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative (SSEGI), and the Southland Development Authority (SDA). Our Illinois SBDC at SSEGI is designed to service all of the Southland’s entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem, through a hub-and-spoke system of spaces and partner outreach that will engage entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Southland. We are centered in a transit-oriented commercial and community space for entrepreneurs in East Hazel Crest.

The Illinois SBDC at SSEGI is an integral part of entrepreneurial strategies, creating synergies as a rebirth of the Southland generating new markets, entrepreneurial and small business opportunities servicing the Southland region and beyond. The Illinois SBDC at SSEGI’s team is available to provide guidance for your business growth through one-on-one confidential business consultation; assistance with business, management and marketing plans; financial assessment and guidance; in-depth business training and more.

This SBDC will build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem region-wide, with additional focus on the clusters with existing strength and growth potential in the South Suburbs: these include food processing; transportation, distribution and logistics; and metals manufacturing and machinery.

It is also designed to provide access to specialized services, training and other resources to assist start-up and existing small businesses in innovation and entrepreneurial development, technology, manufacturing, distribution and logistics and transportation.