Do you own a small business which is solid but struggling in the current economy? If so, you may qualify for a no-interest America’s Recovery Capital Loan.
Non-payment for shipped deliveries, dried-up lines of credit, down-turn in housing starts, and pull-back in entertainment spending are just a few of the reasons why formerly solid small businesses are feeling a huge pinch.UPI.com 
reported that some small businesses are falling back on credit card use as a stop-gap measure. Need we say more?
It is no surprise; economic downturns tend to create protectionist attitudes, resulting in skepticism of the America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program. The facts are, however, that small businesses are a gauge of our economic health. An article in the July 2009 Small Business Advocate was titled “Small Businesses Most Likely to Lead Economic Recovery.” This position is supported by numerous economic historians and forecasters who have studied past recession recovery patterns.
According to the Office of Advocacy for the SBA , small businesses “make up more than 99.7% of all employers” and “create more than 50 percent of the nonfarm private gross domestic product (GDP).” These are just two reasons to actively provide the economic supports needed by solid and viable small businesses.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) website outlines details concerning the America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program, including eligibility and application guidelines. This website also contains other information and links useful to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Please visit the Illinois workNet Business Development Page to locate links to the SBA; links to economic recovery updates; and links to other pertinent resources for small businesses.
The Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. The SBDC is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community, and federal, state and local governments. The SBDC is also an intrinsic component of the Entrepreneurial Development's network of training and counseling services.
Whether you are opening a restaurant or starting an e-commerce business, the SBDC provides the tools you need to market your business, do your finances, or create a business plan. The Business Startup and Management Guides —available under the Assistance with the Development of Business Plans link—provide marketing information in both English and Spanish , categorized by business type. The Illinois SBDCs also offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of services in central and easily accessible branch locations . Visit the Illinois workNet Businesses Pathway, and start your business today!