Buckner Highlights Opening of South Shore Small Business Development Center

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is welcoming the opening of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Chicago’s South Shore community.

“The ongoing pandemic continues to have a wide range of adverse effects on communities throughout Chicago, and South Shore has been hit especially hard,” said Buckner. “The small business development center will be critical toward helping our small businesses stay afloat by connecting owners with personalized resources as we continue to progress toward reopening completely.”

As Buckner works toward community reinvestment, the South Shore SBDC is 1 of 7 new SBDCs opening around the state as a part of an $11.5 million investment by the state of Illinois into the SBDC program. The South Shore location will join the now 42 total SBDCs across the state – which provide services for small businesses – such as support for urgent operational needs, conducting trainings, and other essential services including assisting businesses in gaining access to the newest small business economic relief programs introduced by the State: Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) and the Rebuild Distressed Communities programs.

“With the sustained efforts to provide economic relief for small businesses, it is increasingly imperative for small business owners to have a resource that will help them explore what opportunities will best provide vital assistance for their businesses during this uncertain time,” said Buckner. “The South Shore location will be able to provide significant support for minority owners in disproportionately impacted areas where these businesses have become staples of their communities, like the black owned businesses of South Shore.”

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