commercial & service business resources

Whether you are looking to start a new business or expand an existing business we can link you with the resources to assist you in developing a business plan, identifying funding strategies, and growing your business.


Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The SBDC provides assistance through One-on-One business counseling, feasibility studies, market research, business planning, business management, loan structuring and financial analysis. The counselors can assist with financial assistance through SBA programs, Rural Development, venture capital funds, conventional loans and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.


EIU Business Solutions Center (BSC)

The BSC is an outreach arm for Eastern Illinois University, providing resources for their region and state for entrepreneurial business coaching and youth education. The BSC Entrepreneurial Coach provides free and confidential coaching for new or established businesses.


SCORE

SCORE provides mentorship and shares ethically sound business practices with entrepreneurs and small business owners at various stages in their professional lives. 

Economic Development Resources

The City of Newton partners with Jasper County and other regional and state organizations to provide the resources necessary for business/industry growth and development. 


Industry Resources

The City of Newton is located in a region that provides several resources to its industry base. Many organizations and institutions are present within the State of Illinois whom offers a wide variety of training and educational programs, serve as a
"voice" for the manufacturing industry in legislative affairs, and assist with maximizing operations, strategic planning and many other services to help manufacturers in becoming stronger, leaner, and more profitable. 


Assessment,Training & Educational Programs

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center

"IMEC was established in 1996 to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois' small and mid-sized manufacturing firms. We link your long-term plans and related goals with on-site implementation services by identifying performance gaps, solving these gaps, and building a culture to support sustained improvements. We help optimize operating capacity, implement advanced product and process innovations, increase sales and enter new markets, and improve profitability.

 IMEC customizes every solution to address the client's specific needs, uses training to transfer knowledge and skills to the client's employees, and serves as a mentor and coach to sustain success."


Illinois Manufacturers' Association

"The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is a nonprofit trade association for
Illinois manufacturers. Founded in 1893, the IMA is the oldest and largest
statewide manufacturing trade association in the United States. The IMA's
mission is to strengthen the economic, social, environmental and governmental
conditions for manufacturing and allied enterprises in the state of Illinois,
resulting in an enlarged business base and increased employment.

The benefits of IMA membership are many. As the state's premier pro-industry association, the IMA works hard to protect and promote the interests of Illinois manufacturers. For example, IMA's government affairs efforts have resulted in over $300 million annually in corporate and sales tax breaks for our members. The IMA was instrumental in passing the most sweeping liability law reforms in Illinois' history. The IMA is addressing the tax and education reform, retail wheeling of electricity and
other key issues. In addition to our outstanding lobbying efforts, members
benefit from the valuable information which they receive in IMA's many and
varied publications.


Members also enjoy access to IMA's staff of experts who are just a (toll free) phone call away and ready to assist with any questions or problems. And IMA's Annual Meeting and "Business Day" in Springfield allow members to meet and network with
hundreds of other executives and community leaders from throughout Illinois.

The collective buying power of members allows the IMA to offer group rates and discounts on a variety of products and services such as shipping, car rental, energy, and health care. 


Finally, the IMA is often able to provide member companies access to grant funds that cover 50% of the total cost for employee training. These grant funds are limited and available to IMA members only."


Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing

"The Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing is a collaboration of taxpayer supported and non-for-profit organizations that leverages, coordinates, and focuses their collective resources into integrated solutions that transform Illinois manufacturers into globally competitive companies. AIM impacts low income, economically disadvantaged communities in Illinois through the retention and growth of a high wage manufacturing employment base."


Illinois Eastern Community Colleges

"Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ Workforce Education program offers industrial
training classes at various locations throughout Illinois’ mining regions
through cooperative agreements with John A. Logan College, Kaskaskia College,
Lincoln Land Community College, Southeastern Illinois College, and Southwestern
Illinois College."


Center for Business & Industry at Lake Land College

"Envision a versatile and responsive consulting group with the ability to tailor just-in-time training to the specific needs of your organization. For more than two decades, The Center for Business and Industry has provided high quality, on-demand training for employers in the midwest. Our professional training team, in partnership with
some of the nation's top training firms, ensures easy, affordable access to
world-class training, resources, and support services."


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