Are you an early stage small business owner in Pekin looking to grow strategically this year?
Whether you have a home-based business or brick-and-mortar shop, the SmartStart Pekin Growth Challenge will give you the tools and support to take your business to the next level—whatever that means for you!
What is the SmartStart Pekin Growth Challenge?
A 12-week intensive program designed to help early-stage business owners create and execute a growth and marketing strategy that works for their business. Participants will learn from small business experts, develop real-world strategies in class and apply them between sessions, gaining hands-on experience to grow their business.
The SmartStart Pekin Growth Challenge has a value of over $1000 per participant, but is available at no-cost thanks to the partnership of Tazewell County, Pekin Area Chamber Of Commerce, City of Pekin, and SmartStart Business Development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is available by application only and designed for:
✅ Early-stage businesses in Pekin (less than 5 years old)
✅ Generating under $25K in annual revenue (if you make more, you can still apply!)
✅ Home-based entrepreneurs looking to grow
✅ Brick-and-mortar businesses wanting more customers
✅ Business owners eager to implement strategies and grow
What You’ll Gain
✔️ A step-by-step marketing & growth strategy tailored to your business
✔️ A solid business foundation with tools for long-term success
✔️ Hands-on marketing training
✔️ An understanding of goal setting & KPIs to track growth
✔️ A chance to win a $500 SmartStart Prize
✔️ A supportive community of fellow business owners
How It Works
Challenge will run week of March 24 - Week of June 9
Participate in two 60-minute workshops per month (One in-person & one virtual)
Work on real strategies with the help of small business experts and the Growth Challenge participants
Homework and strategy implementation between workshops
Join SmartStart Pekin community workshops for extra learning & networking
Don’t miss this opportunity to build your business with expert guidance and support!
📌 Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
📢 Participants Announced: March 17, 2025
🚀 Cohort Starts: March 24, 2025
Have questions? Contact us at info@smartstartcommunity.com. We can’t wait to help you grow your business!
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