If the cost of a new computer system sends you into sticker shock, Allison Payne may be able to find what you're looking for in an older model and save you money in the bargain.

"Basically I think every computer is at least as useful as it was the day you bought it. People shouldn't have to pay a lot of money to get a computer that works just fine," she said.

Payne has launched a new business in Champaign called Alliance Family Computers, and part of what she does is find people computers with the features they need – and that includes refurbished used computers that may have otherwise wound up in the landfill. In fact, about any computer purchased in the last six to eight years can be made serviceable, depending on what people need, she said.

Among her other services are repairs, data transfers, hard-drive rescues, virus removals, setting up new computer systems and providing computer lessons. She can also advise small businesses and families on setups and will accept donations of old computers.

"We take them apart, and if they're reusable, I can sell or donate them. If not, I recycle them," she said.

Payne is launching Alliance Family Computers as a sideline for now and is also a ticket office supervisor at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information, send an e-mail inquiry to alliancefamcomp<@>gmail.com or call 355-1557.

Speaking of computers ...

Supportech Computers opened last month at 720 S. Neil St., C, in the same building housing Sailfin Pet Shop.

Jermaine Warren, the owner, said he operated a similar business from his home before moving into the store. He sells used and custom-built new computers and also offers upgrades to existing systems.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

The phone number is 352-7333.

Looking for entrepreneurs

Dan Becker has been a home builder, subdivision developer and a charter pilot. Now he's also a franchise consultant and looking to be a minority owner in some new franchises in the Champaign County area.

Becker says he has identified business concepts that have good potential in Champaign-Urbana and is looking for the right people to become owners. To help them raise the cash they need up front, he said, he'll kick in $20,000 equity capital per business.

He sees his own role in those businesses once they're up and running as behind-the-scenes adviser, rather than being involved in day-to-day operation, he said.

Becker, of Mahomet, said he hopes to build up a portfolio of about 10 of the businesses in partnership with his mother, Glenda Becker, who is a 50 percent owner in his franchise consulting business, Sangamon Consulting.

Becker remains a part-owner of Hunter's Ridge subdivision in Mahomet and has built homes around Mahomet, Champaign and Monticello, he said.

For more information, call 586-5182 or send e-mail to dan<@>sangamonconsulting.com.

The place for more than prom

Michelle's Bridal Shoppe/M2, The Place for Prom, 2210 Willow Road, U, has expanded its prom shop and added pageant wear.

Michelle Schweighart, the owner, said that includes a full line of pageant gowns, shoes, swimsuits and accessories.

There was a need for that kind of merchandise in the area for fair queen candidates and others, Schweighart said, and pageant gear will fill out the prom store after prom season ends.

For more information, call 337-7766.

Are you opening a new business or changing something at your existing business? Debra Pressey can be reached by phone at 351-5229 or 800-252-3346; by e-mail at dpressey<@>news-gazette.com; or by regular mail at The News-Gazette, c/o It's Your Business column, P.O. Box 677, Champaign, IL 61824-0677.