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QUINCY, ILL. -- Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias wants you to know how you can get money in tough economic times.

Speakers from both local and government agencies talked to Quincy residents about different programs that would help small businesses get off the ground.  There was also an opportunity for people to ask questions and get answers about programs and financing available for their business.

"Many people don't know where to go to the next step. That's why we encourage people to their local small business development center and find out what resources are available to them. We all work together as partners. We're not competing with any other organizations out here. We're all on the same page. We're all out here bottom line just trying to help the business owners move to the next step," said Director of Economic Development Program for Illinois State Treasure's Office Bill Browne.

By the way, Giannoulias is running for the US Senate seat that is currently held by Roland Burris.

He is running against republican Mark Kirk.