Expanding beyond the 815

As we celebrate the vibrant spirit of the 815 in this August issue, it’s a perfect time to honor the ingenuity of our local entrepreneurs in Rockford and surrounding communities. The 815 area code represents resilience, innovation, and community strength—home to manufacturers, service providers, and startups that drive our economy. But growth doesn’t stop at our borders. Many businesses here are ready to expand regionally, nationally, or even internationally. As director of the Rock Valley College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), I’ve seen firsthand how strategic expansion can transform a local operation into a thriving enterprise. Here are some tips to help your business scale beyond the 815.

Regional and national expansion
Before leaping overseas, consider building a stronger foundation by expanding within the U.S. This lowers risks and builds momentum. First, conduct thorough market research. Identify underserved areas in neighboring states like Wisconsin or Indiana, where demand for your products aligns with local needs. U.S. Census Bureau data or AI search tools like Grok can help pinpoint opportunities.
Develop a solid business plan outlining costs, staffing, and revenue projections. For example, partnering with distributors in Chicago or Milwaukee can extend your reach without heavy upfront investment. Leverage digital tools. E-commerce platforms like Shopify or Amazon can turn your local shop into a national seller overnight. Attend regional trade shows, such as those hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, to network and test markets.

Don’t overlook financing. Programs like the SBA’s 7(a) loans or Advantage Illinois can provide capital for inventory or marketing. And remember compliance—understand varying state taxes and regulations to avoid pitfalls. One Rockford client of ours expanded to three states by starting small, piloting in one market before scaling.

Going global
Once you’re stable domestically, international expansion can open lucrative doors. Whether exporting machinery or importing raw materials, here’s how to start.

Get export-ready. Begin with self-assessment. Use free online tools from trade.gov (Learn How to Export page) or the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to evaluate your readiness. Define goals… Do you want to export to offset seasonal dips or import to reduce costs? Attend webinars and trainings to understand commitments.

Build an action plan. Work with advisors from the Illinois International Trade Center Network or the U.S. Commercial Service’s Rockford office. They offer matchmaking, market research, and trade missions like Trade Winds for the Indo-Pacific. For imports, research foreign trade agreements via U.S. Customs and Border Protection to navigate duties and compliance.

Choose your method. For small businesses, partnerships are key. Form alliances with local firms abroad for distribution—a cost-effective way to export without building infrastructure. Licensing arrangements or global professional employer organizations (PEOs) can handle HR and legal hurdles. If merging or acquiring, consult experts on foreign laws.

Manage risks and logistics. Protect your brand with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office guidance. Use freight forwarders specializing in your target regions for shipping. Mitigate financial risks with export credit insurance from the Export-Import Bank or SBA export loans. Be cautious with trading partners; build relationships gradually and vet them thoroughly.

Learn cultural nuances. Translate materials into local languages and respect customs. For example, exporting to Europe? Comply with GDPR. Importing from Asia? Factor in currency fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

Your next step starts here
Expanding beyond the 815 isn’t just about growth—it’s about sustainability in a global economy. Start small, plan meticulously, seek help, and evaluate if expansion outside the 815 makes sense for you.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.