Business Owner Resources

Senator Duckworth is committed to working with advocates, small business owners and federal, state and local officials to ensure Illinoisans have the opportunity to start and develop a business and achieve their American dream. Fortunately, there are already several federal resources available to assist small business owners. Please reference the resources below for more information.

• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Minority Business development Agency (MBDA)
• General Service Administration Assistance for Small Business (GSA)
• Small Business Development Centers in Illinois (SBDC)

 

Veteran Small Business Assistance

Senator Duckworth’s Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which allows Veteran small business owners to acquire federal equipment and personal property that the government no longer has a use for, was signed into law in 2019. The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees distribution of federal surplus personal property in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP) through the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program. When there is no federal need for excess personal property, SASPs disburse the property to eligible recipients who otherwise may have been unable to acquire it.

Through our state’s Veteran Owned Small Business Federal Surplus pilot program, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services helps Veteran small business owners acquire GSA property. Veteran small business owners in Illinois can learn more about this program here. 

For additional information, please feel free to contact our office at (312) 886-3506.