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
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Blog Feed
Looking Ahead September 4, 2024 As we step into a new quarter, we are excited to share the impactful initiatives that are shaping the economic landscape of Freeport and Stephenson County. Our commitment to fostering a thriving community through economic growth, business development, and workforce enhancement continues to drive our efforts. The Greater Freeport Partnership remains dedicated to cultivating a dynamic economic ecosystem which ensures […]
A Picture’s Worth Thousands of Impressions August 20, 2024 We are in the thick of the tourism promotion season and nothing speaks to our potential visitors more than great photos and videos. The Partnership has gone to great lengths this season to capitalize on the beautiful spaces and friendly faces in Freeport and Stephenson County to showcase all there is to see and do. In July, visual images from […]
Enterprise Zone is Key to Spurring New Residential Development August 15, 2024 Residential development is a key component of Freeport’s revitalization strategy, and the enterprise zone is an important tool to drive that development. The Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone, which includes parts of Freeport, offers significant incentives such as: Sales tax exemptions on building materials Property tax abatement Waivers on certain permits These benefits are designed to attract new businesses and encourage […]
Conversations August 9, 2024 What a member is looking for from an organization like the Greater Freeport Partnership is as varied as the businesses who are our members. Start-ups and retail businesses may be looking for promotion, new or emerging leaders are often looking to build a network, a manufacturer may be looking for assistance with expansion, recruiting and developing their workforce, or more. […]