Illinois Valley Community College is now offering a course to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses.

The small business accelerator class teaches participants how to develop a business plan and create strategies for funding and marketing.

According to a news release, the program uses the nationally recognized Kauffman FastTrac curriculum and wraps up with a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation, where top participants can earn awards to invest in their businesses.

Instructor Connor Cofoid, an IVCC alum and founder of a startup consulting business, will lead the sessions.

Classes will begin next week and meet every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17 to April14 at IVCC’s main campus. The program costs $549, though grant funds are available to cut the price in half for students registering through IVCC Continuing Education.

To register, call 815-224-0427 and reference ID 25908. More information is available on IVCC’s website.