In communities that are growing and thriving, opportunity is not reserved for a select few, it is cultivated intentionally, shared broadly and supported through meaningful partnerships. At the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA), that belief is central to our mission. While our work often focuses on attracting new businesses and supporting major economic development projects, we are equally committed to ensuring that women and minority-owned businesses have access to the tools, resources and connections they need to succeed.
A strong, inclusive economy is one where entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can launch, grow and sustain their businesses. In Sangamon County, that vision is taking shape through collaboration, programming and a deep commitment to elevating diverse voices within our business community.
Leading by example
At SSGA, our commitment to supporting women in business starts within our own organization. Seventy-five percent of our staff are women – professionals who bring diverse perspectives, leadership and expertise to the work we do every day. This representation matters. It informs how we approach partnerships, programming and outreach, ensuring that the needs of women entrepreneurs are not only understood but actively prioritized.
Beyond our internal team, SSGA is proud to be actively involved in organizations that uplift women across central Illinois. We are longstanding supporters of Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) and Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois (WE-CI), two organizations that play a vital role in advancing leadership, mentorship and visibility for women in business.
Each year, SSGA sponsors the IWIL Women’s Symposium and the WE-CI Business Showcase, events that provide powerful platforms for networking, learning and celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs. These sponsorships are more than symbolic; they reflect our belief that investing in these spaces strengthens the entire regional economy.
Connecting entrepreneurs to real resources
For many small business owners, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, access to reliable information and trusted connections can be one of the biggest barriers to growth. SSGA works to remove those barriers by serving as a connector and resource hub.
At a recent WE-CI meeting, SSGA’s Abby Powell shared a comprehensive overview of the tools and services available to entrepreneurs in our region. Her presentation focused on practical, actionable support – resources that business owners can use immediately to make informed decisions.
These include assistance with site selection, helping entrepreneurs evaluate locations based on customer traffic, accessibility and long-term viability. Through advanced market data platforms like Placer.ai, SSGA can also provide insights into consumer behavior, foot traffic trends and competitive landscapes, information that is often out of reach for small businesses but critical for strategic planning.
Equally important is our ability to connect entrepreneurs with local and state resources. Whether it’s navigating incentive programs, identifying funding opportunities or building relationships with key partners, SSGA helps business owners access the broader ecosystem that supports growth.
For women and minority entrepreneurs, these connections can be transformative – opening doors that might otherwise remain closed and creating pathways for sustainable success.
Education and access
One of the most impactful ways SSGA has supported minority-owned businesses in recent years is through targeted programming designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are.
In partnership with The Springfield Project at CAP 1908, SSGA launched a series of free workshops focused on empowering small business owners, entrepreneurs and community members. These sessions were intentionally designed to be accessible and inclusive, with a particular focus on supporting minority-owned businesses while remaining open to anyone interested in learning.
The workshops covered a range of topics essential to business success, from understanding economic development and site selection to navigating available incentives and resources. Each session featured experts, partners and peers who shared practical insights and real-world experiences.
More than just informational sessions, these workshops created space for dialogue, collaboration and relationship-building. They reinforced the idea that economic development is not something that happens in isolation, it is a collective effort that benefits from shared knowledge and mutual support.
The success of this series has laid the foundation for future programming. SSGA is currently planning additional sessions for summer and fall 2026, with topics such as small business insurance strategies, leveraging local library resources for business growth and updates on new state incentive programs. These offerings will continue to prioritize accessibility and relevance, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing business landscape.
Opportunities for professional growth
In addition to direct programming, SSGA also supports ongoing professional development opportunities for women in business through strategic partnerships.
Since 2022, SSGA has proudly sponsored the monthly Professional Women’s Event Calendar in the Springfield Business Journal. This initiative highlights upcoming events focused on leadership development, networking and skill-building for professional women across the region.
By helping to promote these opportunities, SSGA plays a role in ensuring that women have access to the resources and connections that can accelerate their careers and expand their impact. Visibility matters, and by elevating these events, we contribute to a more connected and empowered professional community.
A broader vision for inclusive growth
At its core, SSGA’s work with women and minority-owned businesses is about more than individual success stories. It is about building a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
When diverse entrepreneurs thrive, they bring new ideas, perspectives and innovations to the marketplace. They create jobs, activate neighborhoods and contribute to the vibrancy of our community. Supporting their growth is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for long-term economic prosperity.
That is why SSGA remains committed to fostering an environment where all businesses have the opportunity to succeed. Through partnerships, programming and ongoing engagement, we will continue to listen, adapt and invest in the needs of our community.
Moving forward together
The work of economic development is never finished – it evolves alongside the communities it serves. As Springfield and Sangamon County continue to grow, SSGA is proud to stand alongside organizations like IWIL and WE-CI, as well as countless entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders who are shaping the future of our region.
Together, we are building more than a strong economy. We are building a community where opportunity is accessible, success is shared and everyone has a place to thrive.
To learn more about SSGA’s programs, resources and upcoming events, visit Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance and explore how we are working to support businesses at every stage of their journey.
Shelley Tulo is director of marketing and communications for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance.
This article appears in Women’s Business Showcase.
