SSBCI Technical Assistance Program (Region 4: North Illinois)

Access Capital. Build Readiness. Strengthen Your Business.

Synergy Works Better is a designated Technical Assistance provider supporting small businesses across Northern Illinois through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).

This program provides structured, no-cost technical assistance to help eligible businesses prepare for and successfully access capital.

What Is SSBCI?

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federally funded program designed to:

  • Expand access to capital for small businesses

  • Strengthen financial and operational readiness

  • Support business growth and job creation

  • Increase economic opportunity for underserved communities

In Illinois, SSBCI includes programs that support access to loans, investment capital, and other funding opportunities.

What We Help You Do

Through this program, we provide hands-on technical assistance to help you:

  • Prepare for funding opportunities

  • Strengthen your financial and business systems

  • Develop capital strategies aligned with your goals

  • Navigate loan and financing programs

  • Submit stronger, more competitive applications

Services Provided

All services are delivered in alignment with SSBCI requirements and include:

    • Set up and organize financial records

    • Develop profit & loss statements and balance sheets

    • Track income, expenses, and cash flow

    • Prepare financial documentation required for funding

    • Business formation and structure support

    • Licensing, registration, and compliance guidance

    • Contract review and preparation

    • Legal readiness for capital and financing

    • Identify funding opportunities (loans, capital programs)

    • Develop capital readiness strategies

    • Prepare business plans and financial narratives

    • Address barriers to accessing funding

    • Credit readiness and financial positioning

    • Application preparation support

    • Referrals to lenders, advisors, and partners

    • Ongoing guidance throughout the funding process

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How the Program Works

  • Step 1: Intake & Eligibility Screening

    All participants must complete an intake and eligibility review to confirm alignment with SSBCI requirements.

  • Step 2: Readiness Assessment

    We assess your current business, financial, and operational readiness.

  • Step 3: Cohort Placement

    Participants are placed into one of two tracks:

    Cohort A – Foundational Readiness

    For early-stage or developing businesses

    Focus on financial setup, structure, and fundamentals

    Cohort B – Capital Readiness & Access

    For businesses ready to pursue funding

    Focus on applications, strategy, and capital access

  • Step 4: Technical Assistance Delivery

    Group-based sessions

    One-on-one support

    Hands-on working sessions

  • Step 5: Capital Preparation & Application

    Participants complete required steps to prepare for and pursue funding opportunities.

Who Is Eligible | What To Expect

This program serves eligible small businesses only.

To participate, your business must meet at least one of the following:

PRE-SCREENING APPOINTMENT

  • Businesses owned and controlled by individuals who have experienced barriers to accessing capital due to factors such as:

    • Race or ethnicity

    • Gender

    • Veteran status

    • Disability

    • Limited English proficiency

    • Location in underserved or low-income communities

    • Fewer than 10 employees

    • Includes sole proprietors and independent contractors

    • All participants must complete eligibility screening before receiving services

    • Services are provided only to eligible businesses

    • Participation is tied to preparing for or accessing capital

    • All services are provided at no cost to participants

  • This program supports businesses located in:

    Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Ogle, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties

  • We deliver structured, compliant, and outcome-driven technical assistance.

    Participant-Centered
    We meet businesses where they are and guide them step-by-step.

    Hands-On Support
    We don’t just advise—we work alongside you.

    Aligned with Funding Requirements
    All services are designed to meet expectations of lenders and capital programs.

    Built for Outcomes
    Our goal is not just preparation—it’s successful access to capital.

    • Clear understanding of your funding readiness

    • Organized financial and business documentation

    • Stronger positioning for funding opportunities

    • Completion of capital-ready materials

    • Support through the application process

Our Technical Assistance Network

  • Synergy Works Better

    LEAD PROVIDER & PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR | FINANCIAL ADVISORY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

    Synergy Works Better serves as the lead Technical Assistance provider, responsible for managing program delivery, participant progression, and ensuring all services align with SSBCI requirements.

    Role:

    Program oversight and implementation

    Participant intake, eligibility screening, and cohort placement

    Delivery of financial advisory technical assistance

    Coordination of all services across providers

    Case management, tracking, and reporting

  • Erika Lynn Bookkeeping & Consulting Services, LLC

    ACCOUNTING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

    LEAD PARTNER

    Accounting technical assistance supports participants in establishing, organizing, and maintaining the financial systems required for capital readiness.

    Role:

    Financial recordkeeping systems

    Bookkeeping setup and support

    Financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet)

    Cash flow tracking and analysis

    Financial documentation for capital readiness

  • OG.LLC | Vibe of Visionaries, Energy of Excellence TM

    FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ADVISORY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
    LEAD PARTNER

    Legal and financial advisory services are advisory in nature, with direct legal representation provided by licensed professionals as needed.

    Role:

    Business formation and governance

    Licensing and compliance

    Contract preparation and review

    Legal readiness for capital access

  • THRIVE SIS

    ENGAGEMENT & NAVIGATION PARTNER

    Role:

    Participant engagement and follow-up

    Program navigation and continuity support

    Supports participant progression through services

    Does NOT provide legal, accounting, or financial TA

  • Zion West Enterprise NFP

    FACILITY & COMMUNITY PARTNER

    Role:

    Provides accessible space for technical assistance delivery

    Supports community-based program access

    Does NOT provide technical assistance services

Program Delivery Model

Synergy Works Better in partnership with OG LLC and Erika Lynn Bookkeeping & Consulting Services LLC coordinates all technical assistance services through a structured model. All legal, accounting, and financial advisory services are delivered in alignment with SSBCI guidelines through coordinated contractual agreements. Community partners support engagement and access but do not independently deliver technical assistance services.

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