Business Acceleration Services

Sunshine Enterprises' Business Acceleration Services (BAS) build community among our entrepreneurs as we know a community advances with more power when it does so together.

BAS is available to graduates of our Community Business Academy and provides support for entrepreneurs year-round, but the best way to maximize these opportunities are within our individualized business support services.

You can work one-on-one with a coach to set objectives, create a plan, and take meaningful steps towards accomplishing your goals. Your coach will help you focus, prioritize, remain accountable, and connect you to other Sunshine Enterprises' services that will help you move your business forward.

Beyond coaching, workshops, and events our services include access to our signature mentor program, Next Level Exchange (NLE) and access to our Market Ready Acceleration Program (MRAP), which prepares entrepreneurs in getting their applicable city and state certifications and licensing, while matching entrepreneurs with business opportunities at city and state levels.

agent-3845505_640.jpg
16-227-017.JPG
 

We are committed to supporting our entrepreneurs through the life of their business.

Let us Help you SHine!

+ HOW DOES IT WORK?

You can think of Business Acceleration Services as an individualized road map to get you to where you want your business to go. BAS offers a variety of resources and programs including:

  • 90 Day Action Plan – a program that helps you set goals, and create a plan on how to reach them — all during one-on-one sessions with an experienced business coach.
  • Seminars and Workshops – a series of advanced classes to help you develop specific skills
  • The Help Desk – Professional-service vendors that we recommend to help you deliver on business goals — from design services to accounting.
  • Competitions – Each year, we run two business pitch competitions: The Plan and Pitch, a one day business pitch competition and workshop, and The Start Something Challenge, a several month marketing and business pitch competition.
  • Next Level Exchange - A "Next Level" Mentorship Program where participants get one on one support from a business mentor. Mentors are either successful entrepreneurs or seasoned business professionals with corporate experience. Program participants are expected to meet once a month with their mentor in person. There are also specialized workshops available, focused on core business knowledge areas such as marketing, sales, branding, finance, and human resources.

+ WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT SERVICES WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO DURING THE PROGRAM?

Experts:

  • One-on-One Business Management Coaching
  • The HelpDesk—trusted, vetted small business providers can assist you with everything from setting up your books to creating a new website
  • Pro-Bono Legal Services

Training:

  • Continued learning through advanced seminars
  • Business competitions that combine coaching, mentorship, and financial incentives

Resources:

  • 6-month Business Incubator Placement Program
  • Financial support for Business Development projects
  • Sales Opportunities

Community:

  • Opportunities for Networking, Mentorship, and collaboration
  • Bi-monthly newsletters filled with resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs

+ WHAT'S THE COST?

We know that starting a business is hard and financially stressful, so we provide significant subsidies and charge significantly lower rates than market prices. Our number one goal is to empower you to grow your business.

+ HOW DO I KNOW THE BAS IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut or have a business related project you have been putting off and you’re just ready to take your business to the next level, then Business Acceleration Services is an opportunity to build your momentum. Not only will you work with a coach dedicated to your success, but affordable resources also help remove the barrier of cost as you take steps towards growing your business.

Lake Cook Small Business Source

The Cook County Small Business Source is dedicated to support small business by offering a range of valuable resources at no cost. Expert business advising, access to events and resources.