Art Exhibition: Rita Grendze
The Laura A. Sprague Art Gallery will feature works from Rita Grendze's "Heliotropes and Skeptics" collection...
Read more about Art Exhibition: Rita Grendze
Small Business Services
Welcome to Joliet Junior College’s Entrepreneur & Business Center (EBC) your community’s no‑cost hub for small‑business and clean‑energy expertise. From initial concept and launch to expansion, succession, or acquisition, our advisors provide personalized, one‑on‑one support every step of the way. We now champion clean‑energy innovation supporting businesses and non‑profits that provide sustainable practices or develop renewable‑energy solutions. In July 2025, the EBC launched an additional team of business advisors dedicated to clean energy support. Through the new CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator, we will continue the assistance we have long provided to the JJC community, with an expanded focus on entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector. This team will collaborate with businesses not only in wind, solar, nuclear, and energy-efficiency industries, but across the full spectrum of companies and vendors that power the evolving clean energy world.
What We Do
Our Mission
We empower Illinois entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved or non‑traditional backgrounds, to launch, grow, and acquire businesses that create quality jobs and vibrant communities.
As an outreach‑driven center, we level the playing field with no‑cost advising, training, and help prepare for funding opportunities.
Clean Energy Commitment: We champion sustainable innovation by guiding companies to adopt renewable practices and seize opportunities in the green economy.
Our work is amplified through a wide network of community partners who identify emerging trends and collaborate with us to drive inclusive economic growth.
Who We Serve
- Aspiring & established Business Owners
- Clean‑Energy Start‑ups & Contractors
- JJC students, alumni, faculty & staff
- Community Members & local non‑profits
Our Services
One-on-One Advising
Launch, expand, or purchase a business with guided support.
- Business & marketing plans
- Cost analysis & budgeting
- Financing preparation
Clean Energy Business Services
(New in 2025)
- Renewable‑energy market research & feasibility
- Incentives, rebates, and certification guidance (e.g., I‑REC, Solar RECs)
- Green supply‑chain and vendor connections
- Energy‑efficiency assessments & referrals
- Government contracting & supplier‑diversity pathways in clean tech
Education & Workshops
Year‑round, no‑cost seminars—online and on‑campus.
- Learning the Sales Process
- Social Media Marketing
- Clean Energy Seminar for Small Businesses
Clean Energy Resource Hub -Access curated toolkits, grant alerts, and case studies to accelerate your sustainability journey.
Education and Workshops
These no-cost seminars are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the year. Topics vary but are always relevant to the small business owner. Learn more in NEWS & EVENTS section.
How You Benefit
Accountability- Set clear goals & timelines with your advisor
Expertise- Receive guidance from specialists spanning finance, marketing, and clean‑energy tech.
Resources- Tap into our network of public & private partners for funding, training, and contracts.
Become a client
Complete our short intake form to unlock personalized advising, exclusive workshops, and the Clean Energy Business Pathway.
CLICK HERE TO BECOME A CLIENT
What to Expect
- Apply – Submit your registration form.
- Connect – An advisor contacts you within one week.
- Strategize – We co‑create a roadmap (business or clean‑energy focused).
- Grow – Meet regularly, track milestones, and celebrate wins.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Email ebc@jjc.edu at least two weeks in advance.
Why Choose JJC's EBC?
- The access to educational, training, business and faculty resources of the college.
- The regional focus and our commitment to the community
- Our access to both new and existing partnerships across the community
- Our education, training and advisory services are available online, via Teams and in person, one-on-one
- Our advisors come from diverse business backgrounds and specialties who are dedicated to getting answers to your questions
Stay Connected
Entrepreneurship takes courage and commitment - let’s do it together.
You do not have to be a business expert to start a business, but entrepreneurship takes dedication and hard work. We are here to provide support to set you up for success.
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest news, events, and training opportunities.
FAQs