JWCC Trustees Accept $400,000 Grant to Provide Free Small Business Development Resources for Region

JWCC Workforce Development Center aerial shot
October 22, 2026

During its regular meeting Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the John Wood Community College Board of Trustees accepted $400,000 in grant funding from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide free small business development resources for the region.

The grant, supported by United States Senator Dick Durbin, will help JWCC offer small business development resources, Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshops, and provide customized one-on-one consulting to address specific business challenges.

JWCC President Dr. Aron Potter said the grant will help employees build new skills while reducing training costs for small businesses across the region.

“We are grateful for Senator Durbin’s support of this grant through the Small Business Administration,” Potter said. “Providing valuable resources for local small businesses helps strengthen the workforce and, in turn, supports economic growth.”

A key component of the grant will be connecting businesses with consulting services and subject matter experts in areas such as AI, marketing, human resources, financial management, strategic planning, operations, workforce development and innovation.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy, and they deserve the necessary tools and resources that they need to succeed. This grant will help local entrepreneurs address their business challenges and stay competitive,” Senator Durbin said. “It is important to continue to invest in our small businesses and the workers and communities that depend on them.”

To ensure the program is built around local needs, JWCC plans to offer office hours and listening sessions in Quincy, Pittsfield and other communities throughout the district. More information is available from Valerie Howell, JWCC business and industry consultant, at 217.641.4929.

In other business, the Board:

  • Accepted $15,000 in grant funds from the Illinois Green Energy Network to replace non-energy efficient lighting at the JWCC Agricultural Center and support salary and benefits of staff associated with the project.
  • Approved tenure for Stephanie Phillips, business instructor, and Dr. William Belko, social and behavioral sciences instructor, at the beginning of Spring 2027.
  • Adopted a resolution regarding the intent to levy the equity adjustment for the 2026 tax year.
  • Adopted a resolution to abate tax levied for the 2006 tax year to pay debt service on General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2021C.
  • Authorized submission of a $75,000 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board for a Digital Instruction for Adult Education project.
  • Authorized submission of a $25,000 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board for a Student Housing and Basic Needs Stability project.
  • Authorized submission of a $75,000 grant application to Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois for the Community Connected Pathways to Teaching program.
  • Approved an increase in health insurance premiums of 11.5% effective January 1, 2027.

 

The next meeting of the JWCC Board of Trustees will be Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m. at JWCC’s campus in Quincy.

John Wood Community College is the educational link between business and community. JWCC collaboratively creates innovative and relevant academic and training programs with business leaders to educate young people and the workforce for today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities. JWCC has centers in Quincy, Pittsfield, Baylis and Mt. Sterling, Illinois. Programs include a comprehensive baccalaureate transfer curriculum, customized business training, career/technical degrees, certificates, and personal enrichment courses.