May 06, 2011

Bouhl earns certification from national council

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A man who has for years helped people in Southern Illinois start or expand their businesses recently enhanced his qualifications and acquired a new position at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Greg Bouhl earned his certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council and earned a promotion to the post of assistant director of entrepreneurship and business development for the University. The certification required completion of several years of classes, in-depth study and testing.

“This prestigious certification enables Greg to provide advanced expertise in the area of financial analysis and loan packaging to businesses throughout Southern Illinois. I am very proud of Greg’s latest accomplishment. He is a tremendous asset to the SIUC Small Business Development Center,” said Emily J. Carter, director of entrepreneurship and business development at SIUC.

Bouhl joined the Office of Economic and Regional Development at SIUC in December 2003 as lead business specialist, working with clients at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at all stages, from the business concept phase to business expansions. His work has involved providing information and resources relative to business planning, financial analysis and accessing capital. He’s helped clients raise more than $31 million for business startup or expansion and assisted in preparing and reviewing business plans for clients with projects budgeted as much as $200 million. He also provides training on pertinent topics including starting a business, planning, creating marketing plans and business finance.

A double alumnus of SIUC, Bouhl earned his master’s degree in 2000 and his bachelor’s in 1997, both in business administration. Bouhl’s experience also includes serving as a business specialist for the Rural Illinois Cooperative Development Center for nearly three years.

Bouhl said the Illinois Small Business Development at SIUC is available to help residents of Southern Illinois get the information and resources they need to start and/or expand their businesses. The center provides services at no cost. Carter said Bouhl’s recent completion of the intensive and difficult certification process is indicative of the quality level of service the center provides to the small business community.

For more information about the Illinois Small Business Development Center and the services it provides, visit the website at http://siusbdc.com, call 618/536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.