September 12, 2018

Veteran’s Small Business Road Show helps veterans start or expand a business

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — If you’re a veteran, here’s your chance to find out how to start or grow a business.

The Small Business Veteran’s Roadshow is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Sept. 25 to provide veterans with all of the information they need to decide if it makes sense to start a business, or find out how to help their operation grow and become more successful.

“We are excited to have the SBA, the Veterans Business Outreach Center and other resources here at SIU to support our region’s entrepreneurial veterans,” said Greg Bouhl, director of the Small Business Development Center.

Learn about starting a business, financing and more

A wide variety of topics will be covered in the workshop. Sessions will focus on:

  • Entrepreneurship for You! – Veterans Edition: highlights the concepts of small business ownership, tailored especially for veterans.
  • Financing a small business.
  • Kick-start your business: low- and no-cost ideas to improve the profitability of existing companies.
  • Learning from experience: Tom Harness, of Harness Digital Marketing, will discuss his own entrepreneurial journey following military service.
  • Details about state and federal resources for veteran-owned businesses.

Free meals included

The free workshop is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The workshop is a collaboration between the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, the Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Small Business Administration.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, courtesy of Country Financial.

All current and former military welcome

All current active duty military personnel, members of the National Guard and reserves, and all veterans of any era, along with military family members who are interested in starting a business or who already own a business are invited to attend.

Sign up now  

Though there is no cost to participate, pre-registration is required. Find additional details and registration online. For more information, call 618/536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.