Small Business Enterprise - SBDC August 2021

SBDC adds employees with expertise to serve businesses’ evolving needs

An array of no cost advising and training options

The Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce provides a vast array of technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. We customize services to meet the evolving needs of the community in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and Stephenson counties.

Some New Faces

As we branch out from the Rockford area to better serve our clients, you’ll notice a few new faces as part of our team.

Mike Rogers has joined our team in the role of IT and cyber security consultant. Mike is the owner of Michael Rogers Consulting LLC and his functional roles include custom software engineering/software consulting, database consulting services, AI/Machine Learning Analytics, manufacturing engineering consultation, mechatronics specialist, Master-level Blackbelt (MBB services) and general business consulting. He has been a senior level consultant and application developer for more than 20 years in various roles serving as a solutions designer able to design, develop and implement technology and process improvement solutions.

Allen Godin joins Rockford SBDC as business banking consultant, with a focus on guiding clients through the business lending process. Allen has worked with local financial institutions such as BMO Harris Bank and Northwest Bank and most recently Bank of the West in Des Moines, Iowa. He has extensive experience with strategic planning, business development, sales management, commercial lending and working with community businesses.

Shelby Flores joins us as a business consultant focusing on our Hispanic entrepreneurs. She is currently a restaurant manager at LaCosta Bora in Belvidere and has assisted them with hiring and training staff as well as assisting with social media and target marketing efforts. Shelby has a background in finance and marketing and will assist us with our business development efforts in the surrounding counties.

Some Familiar Faces

In addition to our new team members, we have our core team members who can assist you with all of your small business needs.

Edward Caceres is an experienced business advisor who enjoys working with entrepreneurs and startup companies. His areas of expertise include access to capital, web development, business sustainability and solar energy.

Mike Mastroianni is the president of MDM Consulting, a firm specializing in training, coaching, leadership development, planning and human resources support. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership HR, team building, access to capital and community outreach.

Heather Kelley has a proven record of building marketing departments and increasing business awareness through strategic planning, social media advertising, community events, public relations and networking. Her areas of expertise include social media planning, content marketing, public relations, event planning and digital marketing.

Vince Chiarelli owns Chiarelli Consulting and has been in charge of and helped grow several local businesses in the following industries: hotel/hospitality, local & chain restaurants, self storage, gambling, retail, His areas of expertise include accounting, financial analysis and planning, tax planning, cash flow management and business plans.

The benefits of working with your local SBDC include no cost, one-onone business advising, virtual business advising, training programs and workshops designed for small businesses, professional referral network, accessing capital, technology development and lifelong business partners. Contact us for a consultation at 815-316-4301 or sbdc@rockfordchamber.com.