Stateline Business Academy

Entrepreneurial activity has become the most important job growth engine of the national economy. This finding is reinforced by over a decade of public policy research and economic analysis. The Stateline Region (Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson and Ogle Counties) has in place numerous organizations and initiatives focused on new product and market expansion opportunities for innovative manufacturers, technology businesses, alternative energy and new or existing growth enterprises.

The Stateline Business Academy is a program design to facilitate qualified rapid, sustainable growth opportunities.  Typically, an advisory coaching team is designated to assist the client partner company in the planning and execution of a growth strategy with specific measurable goals over a three to six month time frame. The Stateline Business Academy is responsible for bringing together the appropriate individuals (business contacts, coaches, and advisors) and organizations (Community, State and Regional) necessary to facilitate and assist the enterprise in the achievement of the stipulated goals.

In many cases, the Stateline Business Academy offers accelerated focused assistance to qualified business enterprises where the end result will be immediate and rapid growth of quality jobs. In these situations, and in conjunction with Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center (RRVEC) and the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Stateline Business Academy can utilize up to $10,000.00 in matching grant funds to assist in the Academy process.

A typical Stateline Business Academy facilitation project might include:

• An in depth gap analysis to determine the stage of development of the enterprise
• Development of a growth strategy with three and six month measurable goals in revenue and job growth
• Screening, monitoring, coaching and supporting entrepreneurs through assigned project leaders who will assist in execution of a growth strategy
• Hands on professional assistance through assigned coaches and business contacts for the execution of specific projects