Business Resources

Information for businesses, startups, and nonprofits.

SCORE Chapter of Peoria

Part of a national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of the nation’s small business.

SCORE Peoria provides free and confidential business mentoring tailored to meet the needs of the entrepreneur or small business owner and tailored to your personal objectives.

Located at 403 N. E. Jefferson | Peoria, IL 61603

Bradley Technology Commercialization Center

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University recognizes the economic growth opportunities in assisting entrepreneurs and tech‐based companies in developing innovative products and services. To help drive this approach, the Center is assisting companies in commercializing tech-based products and services into the marketplace.

Located at 1501 W Bradley Ave | Peoria, IL 61625

Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Part of a nationwide network of community-based procurement professionals providing government contracting assistance. We help businesses pursue and perform under contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors. PTAC support to businesses include registration in SAM, identification of contract opportunities, help understanding requirements and in preparing and submitting bids.

Located at 103 N E Jefferson Avenue | Peoria, IL 61602

Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship assists people who want to own their own businesses through a variety of programs for students and community members. Counseling, technical assistance and educational opportunities are available for anyone interested in startups, as well as owners of established companies looking to expand their businesses.

Located at 1501 W Bradley Ave | Peoria, IL 61625

Discover Peoria

Featuring 900,000 square feet of meeting and convention space in the heart of downtown; an international airport with eight daily flights to and from O’Hare International Airport; numerous full-service, globally recognized accommodations, and remarkable one-of-a-kind attractions.

Located at 456 Fulton Street | Suite 300 | Peoria, IL 61602

Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

The GPBA helps businesses navigate and access the available local, state, and federal resources and programs to thrive and grow. They also develop and/or administer in-house business support programs for businesses including GP Manufacturing Network and the Foreign-Trade Zone #114.

Located at 401 NE Jefferson St | Peoria, IL 61603

Illinois Small Business Development Center

Illinois’ SBDCs provide one-on-one confidential business advice at no charge for business plan development, financing, marketing, regulatory compliance information, and more. Existing businesses looking to expand into new markets can find that assistance at specialized centers with expertise in seeking government contracting opportunities, accessing international trade and export markets, and service for technology-based and high-growth potential companies.

Located at 1500 W Main St | Peoria, IL 61625

Greater Peoria Business Assistance

Located at 401 NE Jefferson St | Peoria, IL 61603

Illinois SBDC International Trade Center

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) provides information, counseling, and training to existing and new to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities.

Services include:

Evaluation of a company's readiness to export

Access to foreign market information

Automated trade leadsLinkages with trade representatives

Identifying potential export markets, foreign buyers, and distributors

Assistance with foreign market entry

International business planning

Export documentation training and assistance

And More.

Located at 1501 W Bradley Ave # 141 | Peoria, IL 61606

Peoria NEXT Innovation Center

Peoria NEXT Innovation Center has been a business incubator for startups looking to make their mark on the world. They are designed to meet the needs of expanding businesses and offer private office spaces, large office spaces (550 sq. ft.), and wet labs.

Located at 801 W. Main | Peoria, IL 61606

The NEST Co-Working Space

Located in the Oak + Adams area of Peoria’s Warehouse District

Open office plan

Diverse settings for varied interactions and postures

Small room for pitches, mentor meetings, and other small private meetings

Fiber wifi from i3 Broadband

Located at 820 SW Adams | Peoria, IL 61602

Startup Business Assistance

The innovation and startup program at the Greater Peoria EDC works directly with new business owners, professionals exploring new business opportunities, and students to develop, scale, and grow their new business ventures. They walk alongside these entrepreneurs to uncover insights and develop scalable businesses.

Located at 401 NE Jefferson St | Peoria, IL 61603

Minority Business Development Center

The Minority Business Development Center offers a wide range of business education assistance and workforce development. The MBDC was born out of the lack of business startup services that addressed specific concerns of the minority community.

It is wholly owned and operated by the Black Business Alliance Peoria Chapter, Inc.
A 501c3 non-profit organization.

Located at 1500 W Main St | Peoria, IL 61625

Illinois Business Financial Services

IBFS has helped small businesses in Illinois secure financing through commercial lending to purchase real estate, buildings, and capital equipment. They help entrepreneurs develop business dreams into realities, helping small businesses grow while also creating jobs and opportunities.

Located at 456 Fulton Street | Suite 370 | Peoria, Illinois 61602

International Trade Center At Bradley University

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) provides information, counseling, and training to existing and new to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities. Since 1989, the ITC has assisted over 1,100 companies and has been credited with supporting over $1bn in export sales.

Located at 1501 W Bradley Ave # 141 | Peoria, IL 61606

Alpha Park Public Library

The Alpha Park Public Library’s mission is to provide progressive and relevant materials and services for the ever-changing, lifelong informational, educational, social, and recreational needs of our various communities. The library is committed to providing excellent customer service in a welcoming environment and is dedicated to developing partnerships and a sense of community.

Located at 3527 S Airport Rd | Peoria, IL 61607

Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity

Illinois Small Business Development Centers are located throughout the state to provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses.

Services Include:

One-on-one business advice and management assistance

Assistance with the development of business plans

Help with accessing market information and the development of marketing plans

Assistance with accessing business financing programs

Located at 500 E. Monroe Street | Springfield, IL 62701