19. Why Entrepreneurs Matter
Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms.
Employ half of all private sector employees.
Pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll.
Generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past
17 years.
Create more than half of the nonfarm private GDP.
20. Why Entrepreneurs Matter
Hire 43 percent of high tech workers (
scientists, engineers, computer programmers, and
others).
Made up 97.5 percent of all identified exporters and
produced 31 percent of export value in FY 2008.
Produce 13 times more patents per employee than
large patenting firms.
21. Mission Statement
To educate, engage and
empower entrepreneurs
in west central Illinois.
22. In a nutshell...
“The greatest success in stimulating
entrepreneurship is likely in communities with:
a climate and a system of
education and technical assistance that addresses
the needs of entrepreneurs at all levels.”
-- Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development (Walzer, 2007)
26. History
• Center operated from 2004 until June 15, 2010
• Funding
– Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity (DCEO) Funding
– Community Development Assistance Program
(CDAP) Grant
– Over 700 clients served (approx. ¼ minority)
• Center re-established in January 2011
28. Core Services
• Feasibility Analysis
• Business Plans
• Retail Site Selection
• Marketing
• Industry Analysis
• Funding Assistance
• Website / Social Media
• Workshops
29. Market Analysis
• Allows for Better:
– Market Analysis
– Location Decisions
• Example: Map of avg.
ann. per person spending
on food/beverages in
Galesburg.
31. Public Funding
Within Galesburg:
– Business Innovation Grant (BIG)
– Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
– Downtown Façade Redevelopment
– Worker Training
– Many More
Within the Region:
– Funds available through the EDA grant
32. Operational Philosophy
• “Everyone has at least one “$1 Million Idea
during their lifetime – but few act on it.”
• Clients spectrum we can work with…
– High-Tech Startups Restaurants
• Types of entrepreneurs we see…
– Sole Proprietors
– Partnerships and LLCs
– Startup Companies
33. Operational Philosophy (continued)
• Each client is given individualized attention
and quality assistance
– Not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach
• Clients are followed-up on and developed
• At this time, all of our services are free
• Strict confidentiality is observed
• We particularly encourage minority and
women-owned businesses
36. Inventors
“Rail Joint” Developed by Permil Nelson “Vegetable Peeler” Developed by Dennis “Pants Hanger” Developed by Stuart
of Galesburg, Issued 1972 Vanosdall of Galesburg, Issued 1984 Battles of Galesburg, Issued 1971
52. Youth Entrepreneurship
Counselor’s Academy on Entrepreneurship
March 22, 2012
4-H SPIN Club on Entrepreneurship
April 19th – June 21st
BTC Entrepreneurial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30, 2012
Meeting with Knox, Monmouth and Sandburg Regarding Entre.
February 21, 2012
