ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Forest City is home to a myriad of local businesses that are generating positive change in our communities, but running a business also has its challenges.
Every business has its own story, including a business that closed temporarily due to a fire, but overcame that problem to reopen. One such venue is sharing its advice with young business owners on Wednesday.
Chef Patrick Alberto worked for more than two decades in Rockford before purchasing the Octane Fitness building in 2019. January 2025 marks 27Aluna’s first year in business. Alberto says that even though there was no turnover, they had to deal with unemployment tax and the increase in the cost of goods.
As a leader, he worked with what he had.
“For us the climb is a little steeper, but we managed it,” says Alberto. “We sourced a lot of local produce, meat, and we tried to keep the money in the city so everyone could be successful.”
Growing up in the Philippines, he thought it was difficult for people like him to start a business in downtown Rockford and says networking with other entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges is an important first step.
“These things are paramount for minority groups who want to open a business, be able to succeed, and focus on the promising young minds who are going to shape Rockford for the future,” Alberto says.
Evangelina Jimenez owns Indigo Beauty off Alpine Road in Rockford. Before that, his business was downtown, but parking made it difficult for customers to arrive.
“It’s impossible to find parking for more than an hour, which is inconvenient for beauty industry professionals,” says Jimenez.
To help other small businesses, she launched Female Energy; a festival for women-owned businesses. She enjoys networking with others, like at Wednesday’s social.
“It’s exciting to see something new and a new environment to create and embrace new spaces,” says Jimenez.
Jimenez also planned to downsize Indigo Beauty due to changes in the industry, but worked with the building’s owner to comply with his requests.
A woman who played softball at Rock Valley College wants to give back to Rockford by expanding her business from Bloomington to Forest City.
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