Springfield, IL (WAND) – Springfield’s city government has noticed business owners struggling to keep their doors open. For new business owners and nonprofits, there’s been a struggle to get anything concrete started.
Ethan Posey, director of community relations for the City of Springfield, said education is a missing piece of the puzzle for many people.
“As a city, we always expect business owners to know what they’re doing in every sense and facet of working with us, but that might not necessarily be the case,” Posey said. “I’ve seen a high frequency of minority business owners and nonprofit organizers run into hurdles working with the city.”
Posey said one of the more common barriers is grant funding. Many people don’t know how to apply for grants. For others, they receive grants without understanding that it only works for reimbursements or with matches from the recipient.
Posey has also interacted with people who make planned renovations without getting the proper permits or open businesses in areas without proper zoning.
The city plans to tackle all of this with its free Minority Business Institute. Over eight weeks, participants will learn from different offices within the city government. They will learn business basics as well as who to contact if they have questions.
Participants will also learn from business organizations in the city, including the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. They will help people build connections and learn how to navigate certain situations.
“A lot of people don’t understand exactly what it takes to start a business,” said Mike Murphy, President and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He is leading a session for one week at the Institute.
“I was a former small business owner myself, and I know the trials and tribulations that you face during that, and it’s always great to have some help and support and it lets you know that you’re not out there by yourself,” Murphy continued.
Murphy hopes that by hearing from others who have tried and failed in business, and ultimately found success, participants will be inspired to keep trying.
The Minority Business Institute will take place on Wednesdays in February and March. For more details on the program, you can contact the Springfield Office of Community Relations.
