RVC-SBDC-and-Partners-Announce-GREAT-Week-for-Entrepreneurs.php

RVC SBDC and Partners Announce GREAT Week for Entrepreneurs

• Community
• 02/13/2025

The Rock Valley College Small Business Development Center (RVC SBDC) and partners are pleased to announce the inaugural Greater Rockford Entrepreneurship and Training (GREAT) Week conference.

 

"When our community comes together to champion small business owners, the results are transformational,” said Nate Jordan, RVC Small Business Development Director. “Events like GREAT Week showcase the power of collaboration in fueling local growth." 

This weeklong event series, taking place from February 17 to 22, 2025, is dedicated to supporting and celebrating entrepreneurs in the Greater Rockford Area through engaging workshops, presentations, and business development sessions.

GREAT Week Conference Agenda includes: 

Technology & Entrepreneurship 
Host: Rockford University & Rock Valley College SBDC  
Date/Time: Monday, 2/17; 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: PURI School of Business, Rockford University 

Entrepreneurial Capital Exchange: From Idea to Investment  
Host: Belvidere Chamber of Commerce & Growth Dimensions 
Date/Time: Tuesday, 2/18; 8 – 11 AM
Location: NIU Rockford 

Entrepreneurs Round Table  
Host: Janene Stephenson, Stephenson Business Center  
Date/Time: Tuesday, 2/18; 5:30 – 7 PM
Location: Stephenson Business Center 

Entrepreneurial Experiences Forum  
Host: Parks Chamber of Commerce  
Date/Time: Wednesday, 2/19; 5:30 – 7:30 PM 
Location: Loves Park City Hall 

Empowering Your Business: Credit, Resources & Solutions  
Host: Miracle Mile Rockford  
Date/Time: Thursday, 2/20; 8 – 9 AM 
Location: Rockford Community Bank 

Think Big School of Business  
Host: Think Big Corporation  
Date/Time: Thursday, 2/20 6 – 8:30 P.M. 
Location: The Park Church 

No Limits: How Minority Business Owners Become Industry Leaders  
Host: Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce & Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  
Date/time: Friday, 2/21; 5 – 7 PM 
Location: Rockford Police Department, District 1 

GREAT Expo  
feat. Lender Match  
& Product Coaching  
Host: Rock Valley College SBDC,  
Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, & ACE Partners  
Date/Time: Saturday, 2/22; 2 – 5 PM
Location: Rockford Public Library, 
2nd Floor
  
Why attend GREAT Week? According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employ nearly half the nation's workforce. Small businesses are key to developing the local economy because their profits are more likely to go back into the community. Events like GREAT Week bolster the progress of small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing key networking and learning opportunities that foster economic growth.

The RVC SBDC is committed to empowering entrepreneurs through no-cost business advising, education, and training services. In the Greater Rockford Area, the SBDC has played a pivotal role in bolstering entrepreneurship, helping to secure over $15 million in debt and non-debt financing for more than 1,400 small business owners. By guiding small business owners to success, the SBDC enhances the strength and diversity of our local economy.

Join us for GREAT Week! Come celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Rockford area. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, GREAT Week offers resources, connections, and inspiration to help you thrive.

Reserve a spot for any of the events above by visiting our Registration Page.