Small Business Development Center opens in Kane County correctional facility

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A first of its kind center has opened up inside of the Kane County correctional facility. It’s business help behind bars.

“I think it turns the box upside down on small business development. We never thought we would do this inside a jail. Everybody thought it was always going to be out in the community. We’re saying, ‘why can’t we?’”

Undersheriff Amy Johnson said the Small Business Development Center, operated by Waubonsee Community College, will help those currently and formerly in the facility start and sustain a business.

“In giving our residents here a chance to really look at, ‘okay, yes, we have done things wrong in the past, but what can we gain from this experience and go through building and sustaining successful goals throughout a business.’ We’re actually fostering their opportunities for growth.”

Johnson said the center will help the entire county in the long run.

“We're giving them that platform and that chance to be incredibly successful when they actually leave us. And no one's really given that chance to foster that success and personal and economic growth within our community.

“And we're actually saying. ‘We believe in you right now. Here's that stepping stone to do so.’”

The center is now officially open.

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