COVID-19: Business Information & Resources
We continue to assemble resources and information regarding COVID-19. We are working to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please visit http://www.cusbdc.org/covid-19-business-information-resources/ for a complete list of business & community resources and send any questions to info@cusbdc.org .

View all of our upcoming webinars here .
Upcoming Webinars
COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Illinois Small Businesses & Non-Profits
April 15, 2020: 2-3 PM
With information rapidly changing, we are committed to providing accurate training, information sharing, and guidance on the different financial assistance options available to small businesses and non-profits in Illinois.

This webinar, led by SBDC Director Don Elmore, will provide details about the financial options available, including eligibility requirements, what documents are necessary to apply, program terms, and more. The webinar will be approximately 30-45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.

Topics to be covered:
  • SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program & Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance
  • SBA - Express Bridge Loans
  • CARES Act - Paycheck Protection Program
  • SBA - 7(a) Borrower Relief
  • State of Illinois - Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
  • State of Illinois - Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program
  • Accion – Expedited Line of Credit (+ other Accion services)
  • Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program

This webinar is being offered the following dates/times this week:
April 15, 2020: 2-3 PM // More info + RSVP here .
April 17, 2020: 10-11 AM // More info + RSVP here .
Understanding the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Pre-Award Process
April 16, 2020: 10-11 AM
Be prepared for grant opportunities! The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) provides uniform guidance for all State of Illinois grant programs. All grant applicants and grantees must comply with GATA grant requirements, which includes the following steps *before* receiving a grant award:

  • pre-qualification on the GATA Grantee Portal (must be completed before an entity can submit a grant application to the State of Illinois)
  • completion of two risk assessments (must be completed at any time before the issuance of a state award): fiscal and administrative – Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) and Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRAQ)

This session will provide detailed information on all of the steps required as part of the GATA process + you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
How to Navigate Your Marketing Strategies During COVID-19
April 17, 2020: 2-3 PM
Presented By: Scott Clanin, Clanin Marketing

There’s no doubt that effective communication matters now more than ever – and it can be overwhelming to think about the best strategies + where you should focus your time. Clanin Marketing will share 5 things you should do now (i.e. optimizing your social media accounts) and 5 things to consider for your messaging (i.e. monitoring your language / images).

Topics to be covered:
  • Tips on managing your Google listing, website, and social media accounts
  • Email marketing and search engine optimization best practices
  • Ways balance your marketing messaging through this pandemic

The webinar will be approximately 30-45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.

Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com/ .
We're Here to Help
If you have a question and/or are in need of resources, please contact us:

  • Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director - Champaign County EDC
  • carly@champaigncountyedc.org / 217-649-2586
  • Jordan Landeck, Marketing & Events Director - Champaign County EDC
  • jordan@champaigncountyedc.org
  • Don Elmore, Director - Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
  • don@cusbdc.org
  • Mariel Huasanga, International Trade Center Director - Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
  • mariel@cusbdc.org

Need one-on-one assistance? Our services are free & confidential. Email info@cusbdc.org to schedule a phone or Zoom appointment with one of our trusted advisors. Assistance is also available in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.