Be Mt. Prospect's next new business success story

The Village of Mount Prospect is seeking new businesses – with a focus on retail and restaurants. The Village is teaming up with the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association and the Mount Prospect Public Library to help new businesses get established in Mount Prospect by providing a package of innovative economic development resources. Tools to help ensure business success in Mount Prospect - education, mentoring, marketing opportunities and contact with successful existing business owners - will be available through this program.

The groups are holding an information session for potential new business owners – an “Entrepreneur's Café” – on Tuesday, January 24, at 9 a.m., at Canta Napoli Restaurant, 90 E. Busse Ave., Mount Prospect.

At this kickoff session Bonnie Richter, Director of Illinois Small Business Development at Harper College, will review the steps for launching a new business, explain where to look for funding sources, provide business plan templates, and address common issues faced by owners looking to start a new venture. The Village will then introduce its initiative to help ensure your success here in Mount Prospect. With the assistance of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, and the Library, the Village has put together a package of innovative economic development resources that include education, mentoring, and marketing opportunities. There are also financial incentives for businesses interested in a downtown location.

“We want people to know we understand the challenges that come with starting a new business –we are providing a support system for entrepreneurs that have creative ideas and just need that little push to get started,” said Dawn Fletcher Collins, Executive Director of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce.

“The Village can offer dedicated staff who are eager to help you find in the right business location,” said Clare O'Shea, Senior Planner for the Village. “We are rolling out several new programs in 2012 including financial incentives for downtown locations. Mount Prospect's demographics are very favorable - we have over 54,000 residents and household incomes of $100,000 plus for one third of the population. People here are excited for new shopping and dining destinations,” she said.

For more information or to RSVP for the January 24 event, contact Clare O'Shea at 847/818-5312 or coshea@mountprospect.org.