Yemisi Anderson (right), advisor for SIU’s Illinois Small Business Development Center, celebrates with program graduate Tena Studer at the fall 2023 Launch That Business reception. (Photo provided)
April 26, 2024
Celebrate new businesses in the area with SIU’s Small Business Spotlight on May 2
CARBONDALE, Ill. — During National Small Business Week, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Small Business Spotlight celebrates the launch of new businesses in the region. Everyone is welcome to attend the Illinois Small Business Development Center event on May 2 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the DunnRichmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive.
“SIU Illinois SBDC is excited to celebrate National Small Business Week with our community,” said SBDC Director Melissa Ray Roach. “This event will spotlight the creativity and resilience of local entrepreneurs, as well as the support and resources available through the SBDC to help you launch and grow your business. We are particularly excited about the new accelerator program the Center has partnered with the City of Carbondale to provide funding to support businesses during this critical early stage of their entrepreneurial journey.”
celebrate success
This event will be a time to network and celebrate the many ways local businesses are succeeding. The winners of the Carbondale Accelerator Program (CAP) business plan competition have been announced, and Steve Mitchell, the city’s economic development director, will discuss how the grant-funded accelerator program and his partnership with SIU began, and I will be giving a talk on how it strengthens small businesses.
Area business representatives who recently completed the intensive 10-week Launch That Business “Fast Track” training program offered by SBDC will also be honored as program graduates. In the showcase, you can also view exhibits introducing the products and services of each business operator.
Designed to help home-based or small businesses get their business concepts off the ground, Launch That Business provides entrepreneurs with practical steps to register their companies as legal entities, maintain and maintain their businesses. We provide easy tips and tools to help you grow.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held to commemorate the launch of the new business, followed by a reception with light refreshments.
media advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to attend the Small Business Spotlight on May 2 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the DunnRichmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale. . For more information, email sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.
Services available to everyone
The U.S. Small Business Administration has observed National Small Business Week for more than 60 years, and this year’s celebration is scheduled for April 28 through May 4. SIU’s SBDC will participate to recognize the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
SBDC offers a variety of services to help small businesses in the region thrive and grow. Business owners receive free one-on-one expert advice, training, workshops and more. For more information, visit the website, email sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.
