One of the most impactful parts of the Union County CEO experience each year is our Business Plan Boot Camp — and we are incredibly fortunate to partner with Mackenzie Scherer, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SCC at Shawnee Community College, to guide our young professionals through this process. 👏📊

Over the past several weeks, Mackenzie has taken our students through the very same structured process that any aspiring entrepreneur would experience if they walked into the Small Business Development Center seeking assistance to start a business. From market analysis and competitive research to financial projections, cost structures, and operational planning — our students have been held to a true professional standard.

Because of this guidance and structure, all 15 individual student business ideas were officially approved by the Union County CEO Board. That is no small accomplishment. 🎉

Today marks the final step before their official launch — our annual Banker Day 💼💰 — where each young professional presents their full business plan and financial projections to a panel of local bankers. It’s a powerful, real-world experience that builds confidence, accountability, and financial literacy at a level far beyond a traditional classroom.

Mackenzie has been instrumental in making this process understandable, manageable, and even fun. She has a unique way of breaking down complex business concepts into doable action steps while still maintaining high expectations. Our students have gained not only knowledge, but true experience — and they have genuinely enjoyed the journey.

We are deeply grateful to Mackenzie and the SBDC at Shawnee Community College for investing their time, expertise, and commitment into the development of these young, small business owners. Your partnership makes a lasting impact. ✨

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