“ After I was laid off from my job at an Internet company, I didn’t ever want to worry about being laid off again. The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Harper helped me develop my business plan and taught me how to set goals.”

Sherrianne Taylor
Owner of trade publication
Coffee News
Survival in the business world often comes down to how well you can reinvent yourself. A college institution is no different. When the sluggish economy forced companies to downsize, many workers found themselves thrust into the role of entrepreneur. Harper’s Continuing Education department rolled up its sleeves and designed new courses including a small business series on start-ups. The Illinois Small Business Development Center through Harper offered free business counseling and follow-up advice to help fledgling local businesses get off the ground. With Harper’s help, going solo doesn’t mean going it alone.


“ I’ve always known that I wanted to work for myself. Harper not only gave me the technical background I needed but also the confidence to start my own business.”

Beverly Wilson Ellison Sr.
Owner BWE Personal Computers and Desktop Publishing
Harper College graduate

90% of Harper’s Continuing Education faculty are working
professionals who bring real world experience into the classroom.