Lake County Gazette

Get Help Applying for the $250 Million Available Through Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program

 

The State of Illinois is now accepting applications for its $250 million Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program to support the continued recovery of businesses across Illinois. B2B offers small businesses funds to bring back workers and offset losses due to COVID-19.

 

Don't miss this important opportunity to apply. Join us and the Illinois Small Business Development Center on September 29th at 9:00 a.m. for a workshop to prepare your application. 

RFUMS Ushers in New Business

Startups Flock to Chicagoland

Businesses Enjoy Rapid Growth

SHIELD Illinois has signed on at Rosalind Franklin’s Innovation and Research Park. The organization joins Inspirotec at the facility, which is fast becoming the hub of bioscience in Chicagoland. 

The Chicago metro continues to be #1 in the Midwest for startups. The ranking reflects the region’s stellar activity, access to resources and nurturing business climate.

The latest Inc. 5000 List recognizes 12 local companies that have, on average, grown 79% over the last 3 years in key industries like healthcare, technology, recruitment and manufacturing. 

We are leading the creation of a 5-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to fuel investment, business and jobs in Lake County. The CEDS represents a wide-variety of interests, and public input is important to the process. Check out our new webpage to see project details and submit your comments.

 

Did you know that 80% of Illinois' life science jobs are located in Lake County? Lake County is not only the location of choice for the headquarters of big-name companies like Abbott, AbbVie, Baxter, Horizon Therapeutics and Walgreens - it is also the home of many new and growing life science businesses. A quick glance at our new landing page makes it clear why Lake County's talent, low costs, infrastructure, resources and and facilities give businesses an edge. 

Kevin Kim, MBA, CGBP

International Trade Specialist

Illinois Small Business Development & International Trade Center at the College of Lake County

You were recently given the State Star Award by the Illinois SBDC State Office. How did you get into this line of work?

I had over two decades of international business experience working for a German multinational company prior to changing my career path. I hoped that one day I would be able to use my acquired industry skills to help people in the community who are starting to grow their export business. I feel so lucky to be able to do that daily. I am the kind of person who feels happy to make others happy. 

I would say that my business outlook is always "international." The wide scope of my outreach helps me gain more insight and the confidence that I need to work in this role as I help budding companies.

What resources are available to companies looking to begin exporting?

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at the College of Lake County is a front-line helper for the export business. It is the leading hub of export resources for business planning, marketing, financing and technical advancements. The ITC customizes available resources for each exporter's needs. This is done through trade networks and partners, including government export assistance agencies. We all work together for the success of our clients. Learn more in our latest blog post.

What types of goods are in high demand in the global market right now?

Industries that are in high global demand vary. There are manufacturing exporters in industries such as precision industrial machinery, metals and plastics, medical devices, chemicals, food and agricultural products, electrical products and various other consumer products in our region. I would say though, no small business is too small to export. People may think exporting is just for large companies, but that is not true. According to the International Trade Administration, small businesses account for 98% of U.S. exporters. 

How else can your organization help? 

As primary local export assistance, the ITC helps small businesses export their goods or services through free, one-on-one confidential advising and through regular export webinars and training by subject matter. ITC services include an export readiness assessment, export business planning, market and industry research, export control and compliance, and a wealth of other resources. 

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy landscaping, grilling (including Korean BBQ), listening to country music, reading inspirational books and going on walks with my wife, Miky, and my dog Bebe. I have also recently been getting back out on the golf course to enjoy the fairways and hang out with friends. 

Our work to drive economic development in Lake County would not be possible without the leadership of our Board of Directors & the support of our investors.