Community Business Academy
An experiential and interactive learning program designed for the entrepreneur and small business owner who wants to build strong foundations of success for their business.
Starting and running a business can be challenging and overwhelming.
The Greater Freeport Partnership Community Business Academy is designed for current and prospective owners of small businesses to develop the skills and knowledge base to build a solid foundation for success of their businesses.
The Partnership knows that helping to create and support a strong entrepreneurial environment is an important way to support the economic vitality and growth of Freeport and Stephenson County.
Register for an information session
Info sessions are mandatory for participation in the community business academy.
Wednesday, July 20 at 6 pm, virtual – Register Here
Tuesday, August 9 at 6 pm, virtual – Register Here
Knowledge of financials, legal structures, insurance and more to safeguard a new business
A network of support and accountability
Business plan development to use as a roadmap to attract funders
Tools to get you started on a new business venturemap to attract funders
Timeline of Courses
Info sessions are mandatory for participation in the community business academy
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- July 20, 6 pm, virtual meeting
- August 9, 6 pm, virtual meeting
- August 19: CBA Applications are due.
- August 30: Acceptance to the CBA sent to participants.
- September 6: CBA Orientation/Kick-off Event in-person at the Partnership office, 6 pm (110 W. Main Street Freeport).
- September 13: Academy begins, held virtually, 6-9 pm
- September 20: Academy session
- September 27: Academy session
- October 4: Academy session
- Checkpoint – Optional homework help, exact date TBD
- October 11: Academy session
- October 18: Academy session
- October 25: Academy session
- November 1: Academy session
- Checkpoint – Optional homework help, exact date TBD
- November 8: Academy session
- November 15: Academy session
- November 29: Academy session
- December 6: Academy session (final class)
- December 13: Academy Graduation (participation optional, but encouraged)
Key Industries
Calendar Feed
Blog Feed
2025: The Big Reveal is here January 14, 2025 If you clicked on this story looking for a super-secret news story – thanks! You’ve already proven you are in the top 25 percent of good media users! Now, stick with me for the real tragedy of the other 75 percent … As a journalism student, it was always impressed upon the group the importance of the inverted pyramid – […]
New Year, New Laws January 3, 2025 Depending on when you read this, New Year’s Day is right around the corner or just happened. New Year’s is a time when many of us make resolutions for the coming year in the hopes of improving ourselves or our situation. If you own or manage a business, the State of Illinois has some “resolutions” for you that are more […]
Exploring Global Opportunities: Highlights from the 2nd Annual International Business Forum December 17, 2024 On December 12, businesses from across Illinois gathered at Loves Park City Hall for Representative John M. Cabello’s 2nd Annual International Business Forum. This event provided an exceptional opportunity to expand horizons, develop new relationships, and explore untapped international markets. The forum, held from 1 to 4 pm, featured honored dignitaries from Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, and Taiwan. These […]
It is Who You Know December 11, 2024 In a world where available information compounds almost daily, it is hard to ever consider yourself an expert in any topic. Businesses and industries do their best to stay on top of what most closely affects them and then lean into other sources to fill in these gaps in knowledge. The resources available to the Partnership are no different. However, […]