Yemisi Anderson, right, advisor to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, celebrates with program graduate Tena Studer during the Fall 2023 Launch That Business reception. (Photo provided)
April 26, 2024
Celebrate the region’s startups during SIU’s Small Business Spotlight on May 2
CARBONDALE, Ill. — During National Small Business Week, Small Business Spotlight at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the launch of new businesses in the region. Everyone is invited to attend the Illinois Small Business Development Center event, scheduled for 4:30-6:30 pm on May 2 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center1740 Innovation campaign.
“The Illinois SBDC at SIU is thrilled to celebrate National Small Business Week alongside our community,” said Melissa Ray Roach, SBDC director. “This event not only highlights the creativity and resilience of our local entrepreneurs, but also highlights the support and resources available through the SBDC to help businesses launch and grow. We are especially excited about the new Accelerator program in which the center has partnered with the city of Carbondale. “It provides funding to help support businesses during this very important initial phase in their entrepreneurial journey.”
Honoring success
The event will be a time to network and celebrate the many ways local businesses are succeeding. Winners of the Carbondale Accelerator Program (CAP) business plan competition will be announced, and Steve Mitchell, the city’s economic development director, will talk about how the grant-funded accelerator program and partnership with SIU began and how it strengthens small businesses.
Additionally, representatives from area businesses who recently completed the intensive 10-week Launch That Business “fast track” training program offered by the SBDC will be honored for graduating from the program. Visitors can also see displays that highlight the products or services offered by those companies on display.
Launch That Business is designed to help home-based entities or small businesses get their business concepts on track, offering entrepreneurs practical steps to register their companies as legal entities and providing them with simple tips and tools to maintain and grow their businesses.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will also be held to celebrate the launch of the new business ventures, followed by a reception with light refreshments.
Media consultant
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover the Small Business Spotlight from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on May 2 at the Dunn-Richmond 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 six decades, and this year’s celebration is scheduled for April 28 to May 4. The SIU SBDC comes together to recognize the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The SBDC offers a wide variety of services to help the region’s small businesses thrive and grow. Business owners can take advantage of free, personalized professional advice, training, workshops, and more. For additional information, visit the websiteemail sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.