December 14, 2018

Discover how to start a business at SIU’s Small Business Development Center workshops

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Want to be your own boss? Got a good idea for a product or service that a new business could provide? 

If you’ve ever considered starting your own business, or expanding a small business to the next level, you’ll want to attend one of the “Starting a Business in Illinois” workshops the Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting in 2019.

Six workshops offered

All workshops will take place at the Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center, located at 1740 Innovation Drive at SIU’s Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

The schedule includes:

  • Jan. 9, 5-7 p.m.
  • Feb. 6, 9-11 a.m.
  • March 7, 1-3 p.m.
  • April 1, 1-3 p.m.
  • May 9, 9-11 a.m.
  • June 6, 5-7 p.m.

What is covered

Each two-hour presentation provides the most up-to-date information about how to go about creating a successful business or expanding an existing enterprise.

Highlighted topics include:

  • Start-up requirements.
  • Business planning.
  • Obtaining financing.
  • Legal structure.
  • Licensing and registration.
  • Market research and planning.

Participants receive business toolkit, presentation and extras for $20

The cost of the workshop is $20 and that covers the cost of the presentations as well as the business toolkit, in both print and electronic formats. The kit contains a variety of helpful checklists, guides and resource booklets from the Illinois Small Business Development Center statewide network and the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other helpful details.

A question and answer session will wrap up each session. Participants also can connect with and acquire expertise from certified business advisers who will help them by assessing business plans and determining how participants can reach their goals.

RSVP before limited seating is gone

Seating is limited for the workshops and often fills fast, so organizers recommend registering early.  Register or find additional information online. Or, call 618/536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu for details.

SIU’s SBDC assists business owners in a myriad of ways

SIU Carbondale hosts the Illinois Small Business Development Center with funding provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The center provides a wide array of services to current and prospective business owners and others. For more information about SIU’s entrepreneurship and business development programs and services, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at 618/536-2424 or by emailing sbdc@siu.edu.