January 16, 2014
‘Starting a Business in Illinois’ workshops set
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is sponsoring a series of workshops for people interested in starting a new business or expanding and enhancing an existing enterprise.
The center is hosting several sessions of the popular “Starting a Business in Illinois” between now and June. The workshop provides valuable information about various aspects of beginning a new business including legal structure, locating financing, business start-up requirements and the basics about planning a new business.
The $15 registration fee also includes the Business Start-up Kit, available in print and electronic formats. The kit includes a business start-up checklist, the presentation slides, a financing questions and answers packet a sample business plan, federal and state tax identification number applications, and much more.
The spring 2014 schedule for “Starting a Business in Illinois” includes:
- Jan. 21, 9-11 a.m., John A. Logan College, Room H126, Workforce Development Building, Carterville.
- Feb. 12, 2-4 p.m., Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Room 150, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale.
- March 18, 9-11 a.m., Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Room 150, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale.
- April 17, 10 a.m. to noon, Randolph County Courthouse, 1 Taylor St., Chester.
- April 22, 5-7 p.m., Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Room 150, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale.
- May 6, 5-7 p.m., Herrin Chamber of Commerce, 3 Park Ave., Herrin.
- May 16, 2-4 p.m., Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Room 150, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale.
- June 12, 9-11 a.m., Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Room 150, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale.
“If you have ever dreamed of starting a business, or if you would like to formalize a hobby business or expand your small business, you will find ‘Starting a Business in Illinois’ to be invaluable. Each session is packed with information to help you determine if you are ready to move forward. If not, that’s the time to find out. If so, we are here to help,” Robyn Laur Russell, director of business development and international trade, said.
Existing businesses will also find important information at the Jan. 29 workshop, “Get Your Business Noticed -- Worldwide!” The workshop will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 150 of Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale. The Illinois Office of Trade and Investment will reveal many ways you can get your business noticed around the world. The Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program offers technical and financial assistance. The program can provide assistance to Illinois businesses in connection with trade shows, B2B matchmaking, Gold Key Service, exploring new export markets, locating distributors, and product compliance.
Hurley Myers, the founder and CEO of DxR Development Group in Carbondale, will share how he has used trade shows to begin exporting his software into other countries. Registration is free but those attending must sign up by Jan. 24. Lunch is provided.
Pre-registration is required for all Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center workshops. To sign up or for more information call 618/536-2424 or visit siusbdc.com.
The center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and hosted by SIU Carbondale.
More information about the university’s entrepreneurship and business development programs and the wide variety of services they offer is available at the Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center at 618/536-2424, by email at sbdc@siu.edu or online at siusbdc.com.