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Mt. Prospect gives a hand up to new business owners

With empty storefronts a persistent issue throughout the state, a number of Mount Prospect-based civic groups will host a special “class” next month designed to show prospective business owners the ins and outs of operating a business in Illinois.

Bonnie Richter, director of Illinois Small Business Development at Harper College, will provide general information about starting a business — templates for a business plan, where to find funding, etc.

Then, representatives from several Mount Prospect groups will outline the specific economic development resources available in the village. Participating organizations are the village, the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Merchants Association and the public library.

“The event will show the bigger picture of operating a business in Illinois, and what we offer locally,” said Clare O’Shea, Mount Prospect senior planner. “The groups involved thought it was a good time to work together to make people aware of the resources out there.”

The Mount Prospect-based speakers will discuss such topics as mentoring opportunities available in the local business community and financial incentives available for those looking to locate in the downtown area.

“We want people to know we understand the challenges that come with starting a new business,” Dawn Fletcher Collins, executive director of the chamber of commerce, said in a release.

“We are providing a support system for entrepreneurs who have creative ideas and just need that little push to get started.”

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Canta Napoli Restaurant, 90 E. Busse Ave., Mount Prospect. To reserve a spot, contact O’Shea at (847) 818-5312 or coshea@mountprospect.org.

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