C7 is a unique new program designed to provide small and medium-sized business owners the opportunity to be mentored by a seasoned business person. The mentorship experience is conducted in a group setting with five other individuals (protégés) seeking the same mentorship experience. C7 groups will meet each month for a period of nine months to discuss a wide variety of business issues.

Entrepreneurs will benefit through the relationships they will build with others in their groups. Mentors will offer their wisdom and knowledge acquired from their experiences with growing their businesses. Protégés will have an outlet to discuss business struggles or frustrations with others who may be experiencing similar hardships. The program also offers an avenue for the sharing of new ideas and insight.

This program was developed by the Mentoring and Entrepreneurship Subcommittee of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of the Bloomington-Normal Area’s Business Infrastructure Task Force in collaboration with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Illinois State University (SBDC).

The EDC's strategic plan has as its foundation a concentration on local business retention and expansion. Eighty percent of all new jobs will come from local companies over the next several years. The EDC's ability to assist these local companies with expansion, job creation and capital investment is at the core of its mission.

The SBDC was established in March 2005 to help support and grow the businesses already in the area, as well as assist new businesses as they begin with a firm footing. More healthy businesses in the area means more jobs and better quality of life for everyone. Together, the EDC and SBDC are building a small and medium enterprise business infrastructure that will encourage and assist local business. Mentoring is a key component of the plan.

Monthly Newsletters:

September 2007 - Time Management & Setting Priorities

October 2007 - Basic Marketing

November 2007 - Managing Employees

December 2007 - Tax Implications

January 2008 - Operational Efficiency

February 2008 - Measurement/Key Indicators

March 2008 - Grassroots Marketing

April 2008 - Budgeting

May 2008 - Customer Service & Customer Conflict Resolution