Morton Economic Development Council

?? Join us in making history at the inaugural SmartStart Small Business Conference happening on April 29th in Morton, IL! Our mission is to support our local emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners by educating them and introducing them to local resource providers. Our goal is to elevate our small business communities to new heights. ?? But we can't do it alone - we need your support as sponsors to make this event a success! ? Is your company or organization passionate about supporting small businesses? Do you want to connect with your ideal clients and showcase your dedication to their success? We have multiple conference sponsorship packages available, including an early bird ?? discount for those who commit by Feb 29th. DM us for all the details! We would love to partner with you to support our local small business community.

Looking to increase your skills in your current IT position? Looking to make a career change into IT? Then the IT Workforce Accelerator is for you! No cost IT training in IT Fundamentals/Help Desk Support, Programming, Web Development, Cybersecurity, Networking, Healthcare IT, Essential Skills, and more! Go to ITWorkforceAccelerator.org to view courses, schedules and to register! #NoCostITTraining #ITWorkforceAccelerator

Reserve your ticket today! Join the upcoming Morton Economic Development Council Symposium at our 2024 host site, Caterpillar Global Products Inc.

???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????????????? We are excited to invite you to the Morton EDC Symposium, Celebration of Growth in the Morton Community, where we will announce the 2023 Venture Award Recipient. This event promises to be a morning filled with inspiration, networking opportunities, and celebration of our communities achievements. ???????????????????????? ???????? ?????? ???? : https://lnkd.in/g2Hg44R9

There are dreamers, and there are doers. Then there are the dreamers who do. For the dreamers who do — the gBeta Distillery Labs program is for you. gBeta is a ????????, ??????????-???????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? for early-stage companies looking to achieve rapid growth and/or raise venture capital. Greater Peoria has a rich history of innovation, and this program has helped local startups like SparkLearn, We Hear You, Inc. and The Farm Sitter? take their businesses to greater heights. You probably have a few questions, so let’s answer those below. ?? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???????????????? ???? ??????????? ? You must be based in Greater Peoria ? You must be committed to putting in the work ? You must be ready to grow as a business ????????’?? ?????? ?????????????????????? ????????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ??????????? Applications are due by March 11th, and the program runs from March 28th – May 17th. ?????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????? Five usually, but this year, six motivated startups will be selected for the 2024 spring cohort. ???????? ?????? ?? ???????????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ??????????????? ? Invaluable personalized insights for your business strategy ? 1:1 coaching and mentorship ? Opportunity to develop your pitch deck ? Pitch to 25 investors at the finish of the program ? Access to gener8tor’s robust national network of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors ? Membership in gener8tor’s startup community of thousands of startup founders And much more! To learn all about the gBeta Distillery Labs program and apply, visit https://lnkd.in/gqHv3EmZ. If you have questions, gener8ator Program Director Danielle Scarzello is a terrific source of information and very helpful, so reach out to her! #ChooseGreaterPeoria #gBeta #Innovation #gener8tor

Upgrade your current IT skills or learn new IT skills for a career in IT! Either way, get no cost IT training from the IT Workforce Accelerator! ITWorkforceAccelerator.org #Nocosttraining #ITWorkforceAccelerator

New Business Qualify? Illinois Back-To-Business Grant Program For New Businesses https://buff.ly/3a0RwkR PLEASE READ… DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY. To support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois has launched a new Back to Business program, B2B NewBiz. This grant program is mainly aimed at businesses established in 2020 or 2021, marked by unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. About B2B NewBiz Program The B2B NewBiz program is designed to extend financial assistance to businesses not previously eligible for federal or state relief programming. This includes various businesses such as hotels, restaurants, retailers, entertainment venues, artists, and dry cleaners. Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $30,000. However, it is essential to note that businesses that have already received state grant assistance could impact eligibility OR reduce award amount. How to Apply Businesses applying for the B2B NewBiz program can find detailed information and guidelines on the DCEO’s website. https://buff.ly/3sSQ9ng Interested new businesses must adhere to the application window that concludes on January 11, 2024, to be considered for the grant. The B2B NewBiz program represents a significant step by the Illinois government in supporting the resilience and growth of small businesses that have been instrumental in sustaining the state’s economy during challenging times.

New Year, New Tax Season! ?? Join us for our SmartStart Morton Small Business Tax Workshop!?? Tax season doesn't have to be intimidating! Whether you're a seasoned small business owner or just getting started, we've got you covered. David Mills, CPA will share the tax basics that every small business owner should know to keep their financial records in tip-top shape, file accurately, and build the tax know-how you need to succeed. ?? What to Expect: - Clear and friendly tax guidance - Tips for record-keeping like a pro - Filing your taxes correctly - Building essential tax knowledge - Q&A with tax experts ???RSVP now to secure your spot. https://lnkd.in/gJHKeHmA

New Year, New Tax Season! ?? Join us for our SmartStart Morton Small Business Tax Workshop!?? Tax season doesn't have to be intimidating! Whether you're a seasoned small business owner or just getting started, we've got you covered. David Mills, CPA will share the tax basics that every small business owner should know to keep their financial records in tip-top shape, file accurately, and build the tax know-how you need to succeed. ?? What to Expect: - Clear and friendly tax guidance - Tips for record-keeping like a pro - Filing your taxes correctly - Building essential tax knowledge - Q&A with tax experts ???RSVP now to secure your spot. https://lnkd.in/gJHKeHmA

Happy New Year from the IT Workforce Accelerator! We want to help you make 2024 the year that you update your IT skills for your current position or gain new IT skills for a new position or career change into IT! Go to ITWorkforceAccelerator.org to start your 2024 journey! #ITWorkforceAccelerator #ITSkills #ITCareers