Joliet Junior College Entrepreneur & Business Center Receives $800,000 Federal Investment to Expand Small Business Support Across the Region

Joliet Junior College's (JJC) Entrepreneur & Business Center (EBC) has received an $800,000 federal allocation, secured by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, to expand entrepreneurship training, advising and technical assistance for individuals and small businesses throughout JJC's entire service district.

The funding will allow JJC to build on the EBC's strong record of supporting business development by increasing access to one-on-one advising, expanding workshops and trainings for students and the public, and extending services to additional areas within the district.

"I am thrilled to have secured this federal funding for Joliet Junior College that will support women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses in the region. Entrepreneurship is the backbone of local economies, and the Entrepreneur & Business Center at the college will increase access to support for small business owners," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

"This investment allows us to respond to growing demand for services and expand our reach across the district," said Brian Kincaid, EBC manager. "With it we can add advising capacity, increase our presence in Grundy County and offer additional office hours at our Romeoville Campus, ensuring more individuals and business owners can access the guidance they need."

In recent months, the EBC has expanded its services beyond business startup support to include advising and seminars for existing businesses seeking to strengthen operations, plan for growth and adapt to changing economic conditions. The funding will accelerate this next phase of programming and enhance training related to working with state and local governments, including assistance with required certifications and compliance processes.

The EBC serves a broad range of clients across JJC's service district, including aspiring entrepreneurs, established small businesses, nonprofit organizations and high school and college students exploring entrepreneurship as a career pathway. Expanded resources are expected to significantly increase the number of individuals and organizations served each year.

In 2025, the EBC received 275 client inquiries, assisted 10 businesses in securing funding, launched 16 business websites and launched or supported 26 businesses.

"This grant is more than funding; it will have transformative impact," said Dr. Escortina Ervin, JJC's chief equity officer. "It provides fuel for entrepreneurship and economic mobility by equipping business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools, training and mentorship to start, grow and sustain successful enterprises that strengthen our local economy."

The investment comes at a time when entrepreneurship continues to play a critical role in workforce resilience and economic growth, offering individuals opportunities to explore new career pathways amid evolving technology and job market shifts.

"JJC and the Entrepreneur & Business Center are grateful to Senator Durbin for his continued advocacy on behalf of our region," Kincaid said. "This funding will allow us to expand programming, strengthen small businesses and support long-term economic vitality across our communities."