Getting a new small business off the ground can be challenging, and even more so in some smaller communities. But one local company is working to help people across Peoria and Tazewell Counties navigate the process.

Getting a new small business off the ground can be challenging, and even more so in some smaller communities. But one local company is working to help people across Peoria and Tazewell Counties navigate the process.

WCBU Reports shines a light into all corners of Greater Peoria. You’ll see the challenges we face from a new angle. And you’ll hear from the neighbors you never knew you had. WCBU Reports airs weekdays during Morning Edition at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m.

WCBU Reports shines a light into all corners of Greater Peoria. You’ll see the challenges we face from a new angle. And you’ll hear from the neighbors you never knew you had. WCBU Reports airs weekdays during Morning Edition at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m.

WCBU Reports

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an occasional in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an occasional in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom.
WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

A start-up for start-ups: SmartStart program works to assist small businesses development

For the first two decades Dan Conlin owned the Jukebox Comedy Club, the money from the previous week's shows pays for the next one. Shows, bills, another week, another show. Then came the pandemic.

For the first two decades Dan Conlin owned the Jukebox Comedy Club, the money from the previous week's shows pays for the next one. Shows, bills, another week, another show. Then came the pandemic.

Peoria comedy club illustrates how $16 billion in pandemic relief missed the places that needed it most

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen isn’t satisfied with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's answers about military layoffs in his Central Illinois district. Sorensen questioned Hegseth about the decision to cut up to 150 jobs at Rock Island Arsenal during a hearing held by the House Armed Services Committee on April 29.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen isn&rsquo;t satisfied with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's answers about military layoffs in his Central Illinois district. Sorensen questioned Hegseth about the decision to cut up to 150 jobs at Rock Island Arsenal during a hearing held by the House Armed Services Committee on April 29.

Rep. Sorensen questions Hegseth about Rock Island layoffs, voiding union contracts

The City of Peoria is considering a funding plan to help the Twin Towers Place condominiums pay for needed repairs and renovations. 

But City Manager Patrick Urich points out that no money has been allocated quite yet. Rather, the city may look to establish a special service area to generate the funds.  

Urich notes Peoria has used special service areas elsewhere in the city to assist with needed improvements or added services - such as around Junction City, the Louisville Slugger sports complex, and the Westlake and Grand Prairie shopping centers. 

He says the Twin Towers condos may not have streets to maintain, but they are a "vertical neighborhood" that merits similar consideration for financial assistance. 

Urich says any up-front money provided by the city would be paid back entirely over time ... and Peoria's financial risk would be minimal. 

In part two of our latest regular interview, Urich tells reporter Joe Deacon how the special services area process would work for funding the Twin Towers renovations ... noting the buildings had a fire a number of years ago and had to exhaust all of their financial reserves.

The City of Peoria is considering a funding plan to help the Twin Towers Place condominiums pay for needed repairs and renovations.&nbsp;
But City Manager Patrick Urich points out that no money has been allocated quite yet. Rather, the city may look to establish a special service area to generate the funds. &nbsp;
Urich notes Peoria has used special service areas elsewhere in the city to assist with needed improvements or added services - such as around Junction City, the Louisville Slugger sports complex, and the Westlake and Grand Prairie shopping centers.&nbsp;
He says the Twin Towers condos may not have streets to maintain, but they are a "vertical neighborhood" that merits similar consideration for financial assistance.&nbsp;
Urich says any up-front money provided by the city would be paid back entirely over time ... and Peoria's financial risk would be minimal.&nbsp;
In part two of our latest regular interview, Urich tells reporter Joe Deacon how the special services area process would work for funding the Twin Towers renovations ... noting the buildings had a fire a number of years ago and had to exhaust all of their financial reserves.

A start-up for start-ups: SmartStart program works to assist small businesses development

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