Here, you’ll find local and regional organizations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs like you. Whether you need help with business planning, financing, historic preservation, expanding your home-based business, and more, these resources are here to assist you every step of the way.
Explore the services available and take the next step toward success in Mercer County!

New Business Owners - Alexis

  • Point of Contact
    Kayla Bustamante
    contact@visitmerco.com
    www.visitmerco.com

    Offering marketing through exposure on the Visit Merco website, social media and email channels. Marketing services are available for businesses through social media, website design, public relations, etc.; as a fee for service.

  • Point of Contact
    contact@visitmerco.com
    (309) 507-2687

    Visit MerCo is your go-to source for the latest tourism intel.  We provide crucial data on things like trending tourism activities, event attendance figures, key business development insights, and more.  This service offered by Visit MerCo can empower you to make informed business decisions and capitalize on opportunities based on our local tourism data.

BONUS SERVICES

  • Point of Contact:
    Frank Perez
    309-732-4024
    www.bridgeinvestmentcdc.org

    "Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation (Bridge Investment) is a mission-driven, non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to helping small businesses and microenterprises by providing loan capital with flexible terms and rates to help them sustain and grow. Bridge Investment is a national non-profit, but focuses its work in the states of Iowa and Illinois within areas with the highest need. Loans outside of Iowa and Illinois will be considered on a case by case basis. Business applicants may be in the start-up phase, existing, or expanding.We are a CDFI. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are dedicated to delivering responsible lending opportunities. By putting community first, we offer fair and affordable loans and financial products that will facilitate your access to financial opportunities and success. CDFIs reach deep and lend where it counts."

  • Point of Contact:
    Ann Friederichs
    309-762-3999 ext 62243
    https://wiusbdc.org

    “The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University (IL SBDC WIU) and the Illinois International Trade Center provide FREE, confidential advising and training to help entrepreneurs and businesses start, grow, prepare to export, and sustain their businesses."

  • Point of Contact:
    1-800-634-0245
    www.score.org

    SCORE's mission: SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education., SCORE'S Vision: We aim to give every person the support they need to thrive as a small business owner. Mentorship, training, and an array of resources.

  • Point of Contact:
    Answer Desk
    1-800-827-5722
    https://www.sba.gov/

    “SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover."

To help areas that need a little boost, designated TIF districts have been set up. Sales and property taxes in those districts may be used in ways that encourage new economic development and job creation. It’s a way to reinvest in those areas.

We’ve provided current contact info to help you discover how TIF districts can benefit your business.

TIF Districts