November 22, 2023
Explore innovation and entrepreneurship in the region at SIU’s Nov. 30 showcase
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Nov. 30 is a celebration of the region’s newest innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs and everyone is welcome to come.
The event takes place at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The festivities will feature refreshments and cocktails by Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine, patent presentations, special graduate recognition and the announcement of winners in a business plan competition.
“This showcase offers a unique opportunity for people from around the region to learn about the creative activities and developments taking place at SIU and the surrounding area, gain insights into cutting-edge projects that will help shape the future and horizon of our community and celebrate the amazing innovation and entrepreneurship right here in Southern Illinois,” said Lynn Andersen Lindberg, executive director of Innovation and Economic Development and of the SIU Research Park.
Diverse program
A variety of events are planned throughout the evening. People affiliated with SIU who have received patents for their inventions or processes will be recognized.
In addition, representatives from area businesses who recently completed the intensive 10-week Launch That Business “fast-track” training program, offered by SIU’s Illinois Small Business Development Center, will be honored for graduating from the program. Visitors can see exhibits highlighting the products or services offered by those businesses at the showcase, as well.
The rigorous Launch That Business program is designed specifically to assist home-based or small business entities get their business concepts on track, offering entrepreneurs practical steps for registering their enterprises as legal entities and providing them with simple tips and tools to maintain their businesses.
The winners of the Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions Bank will also be announced. The competition was open to new business concepts, pre-venture plans or existing small businesses from Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson counties. Local competitions were held in October and the regional final was held earlier this month with the finalists competing for a share of $20,000 in prize money and in-kind services.
For more information about the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase, call 618-536-4451.