Learn how to start, grow a small business

In February, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the College of Lake County will offer a variety of courses designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners create, manage and grow successful businesses.

Starting a Business in Illinois, explains the laws, regulations, rules and reports Illinois business owners must abide by. It is offered online as a self-paced learning module, and students have until the last day of the month to complete the course. Visit wpdi.clcillinois.edu/sbdc/courses.asp for more information. Cost: $25. An instructor-led Spanish language version is offered on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the CLC Southlake Campus. Cost: $25.

FastTrac NewVenture and FastTrac: GrowthVenture courses are designed specifically for entrepreneurs. NewVenture is appropriate for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development and GrowthVenture is designed those who have experience running their businesses. Both classes meet Tuesdays, Feb. 15 through April 19, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Cost: $350 — all materials are included. Thursdays, Feb. 15 through April 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Cost: $350. Registration deadline is Feb. 8.

QuickBooks Module 2, offered on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 6-10 p.m. at the Grayslake campus, is an intermediate level course. Learn to create and customize reports, payroll functions and more. Cost: $99.

For more information on these courses or the Illinois Small Business Development Center, visit wpdi.clcillinois.edu/sbdc or call (847) 543-2033.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the College of Lake County. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. The Illinois Small Business Development Center offers many services to help businesses grow and succeed. Free one-on-one business counseling, planning, and strategizing along with a variety of workshops for small business: start-up and business planning, marketing/sales/public relations, legalities of business ownership, accounting and finance and commerce and technology.