A woman is giving a presentation.

April 02, 2025

Learn about business resources and broadband through SIU meetups

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Find out about the many valuable services and programs available to businesses and explore the current status of broadband/internet connectivity in the region during a series of Business Resource Meetup and Broadband READY Meetup events this month, courtesy of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development.

Six free, public sessions will be held throughout the region with the assistance of local partners.

Valuable information presented

Those attending the Business Resource Meeting will learn about the numerous services offered by SIU’s Illinois Small Business Development Center, the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, SIU’s Gower Translational Research Center (formerly the McLafferty Annex), Career Pathways and a variety of other programs.

In addition, several Broadband READY Meetups will feature discussions about new and expanding broadband/internet programs, services and initiatives as well as assistance to strengthen connectivity resources. Participants can share their related concerns about specific issues and communities.

Open to all

Organizers say small-business owners, business consultants and organizations, economic development partners, broadband/internet providers, elected officials, local government staff, chambers of commerce, library personnel, networking organizations, the SIU community and many others will particularly find the topics of interest. The goal is helping businesses and communities connect to one another and the resources they need to grow and flourish.

Each of the events will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. and include light refreshments.

The Business Resource Meetups schedule includes:

  • Thursday, April 3 – Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale, hosted by BNI. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing toml@bnimidamerica.com to allow organizers to better plan.
  • Tuesday, April 15 – Flex-Line Automation Inc., 3628 Union School Road, Chester, hosted by the Chester Chamber of Commerce.
  • Tuesday, April 22 – 17th Street Annex, 214 N. 17th St., Murphysboro, hosted by Murphysboro Mainstreet and Revitalize 62966.

The schedule of Broadband READY Meetups includes:

  • Tuesday, April 8 – Anne West Lindsey District Library, 600 N. Division St., Carterville.
  • Thursday, April 10 – Benton Public Library, 502 S. Main St.
  • Thursday, April 17 – Stinson Memorial Public Library, 409 S. Main St., Anna.

For additional information about the Business Resource Meetups or the Broadband READY Meetups, email innovation@siu.edu or call 618-536-4451.

More details

In addition, after each of the meetings, a Saluki Takeover Chancellor’s Reception is planned in the same community (with the exception of April 8, which will be in Marion), and Saluki alumni and friends are welcome to attend. Find registration and details about each of the free receptions on the SIU Foundation’s website. Each reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets per registered attendee.