CEO team visits ECDA to learn about writing a business plan
Last week, the Kankakee County CEO students visited the City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency to learn about core components of business planning and small business management. Students met with Leonel Jaramillo and Devyn Forquer, who delivered presentations focused on two essential topics for entrepreneurs: writing a business plan and understanding taxes for small business owners.
The ECDA is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development, and community development. The agency administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee through federal, state, and local funding.
Students also met Executive Director Barbi Brewer Watson and several members of the ECDA team, gaining a broader understanding of how this mission is put into action every day and how the work of the agency supports both residents and businesses across the community.
The timing of the visit aligned well with students’ current work, as they are in the process of developing business plans for their own independent ventures. The presentations offered practical tools they can apply immediately, while also helping students think critically about responsible business development within a community.
Many thanks to Leo, Devyn, Barbi, and the entire ECDA team for their hospitality and continued support of the CEO program. Experiences like this one equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and community awareness needed to succeed in business and in their future careers.
