News Room
Madeleine Wolske Named Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
carly@champaigncountyedc.org
217-649-2586
Madeleine Wolske Named Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
CHAMPAIGN, IL, February 20, 2023 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to announce Madeleine Wolske as its new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. She begins the role today, February 20.
Wolske most recently served as the Business Librarian at Champaign Public Library, where she led business services, including providing direct assistance to small businesses and developing innovative programming. In addition to years of experience supporting small businesses, she also owns her own small business. Wolske earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
“We’re thrilled to have Madeleine join our team,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “Her extensive experience, innovative thinking, results-oriented leadership, and collaborative spirit will be valuable for our center and community. I’m confident she’ll be able to build, sustain, and expand partnerships.”
As the SBDC Director, Wolske is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the SBDC, including advisory services to clients, oversight of budget activities, required reporting, and supervision of the International Trade Center. Additionally, Wolske will represent the SBDC program at a local and regional level within the economic development and business communities and collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.
“With her expertise and passion for entrepreneurship, we are confident that Madeleine’s contributions will build upon the strong foundation of the Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC,” stated Ericka White, State Director of the Illinois SBDC Network. “Additionally, her breadth and extensive knowledge will strengthen the Illinois program as she collaborates with her peers throughout the state.”
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is part of the Illinois SBDC Network, one of the largest SBDC networks in the nation. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and administered through DCEO’s Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology, the Illinois SBDC network provides information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for startups and existing small businesses. Services include one-on-one business advising, including business and marketing plan development, financial analysis and planning, access to market information and business financing programs, and business education and training opportunities.
“It’s a privilege to continue serving our business community at a greater capacity with the resources at SBDC,” stated Wolske. “I look forward to facilitating collaborative and inclusive opportunities for small business owners and actively working to reduce barriers within entrepreneurship. I’m excited to listen and connect with our small business community to better support their goals.”
Wolske can be reached at mw@cusbdc.org or 217-531-1991. Visit https://www.cusbdc.org/ to learn more about the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is located at 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign. SBDC meetings, available in person or virtually, are by appointment only. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port.
About Champaign County Economic Development Corporation:
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that entail job creation, job retention, tax base enhancements, small business development, and promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic development by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts. Learn more at https://www.champaigncountyedc.org/.
About Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC:
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is the host organization to the SBDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC). The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. SBDC services are confidential and provided to hundreds of businesses annually at no cost. Learn more at https://www.cusbdc.org/.
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