One of the participants in last year’s Small Business Spotlight celebrates the launch of a new venture. (Photo provided)
April 22, 2025
Celebrate the area’s newest enterprises during SIU’s Small Business Spotlight May 1
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will recognize National Small Business Week by celebrating the accomplishments of some of the area’s newest entrepreneurs.
Community members are invited to the annual Small Business Spotlight event hosted by the Illinois Small Business Development Center from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 1 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive.
“We love seeing Southern Illinois entrepreneurs succeed, and the Small Business Spotlight is a great way to celebrate that,” said Michael Jessup, director of the Illinois SBDC at SIU. “It’s about recognizing the passion and grit these business owners bring to the table and showing them they’re not alone, that there are resources and people here to help.”
The event will honor the newest graduates of the Carbondale Accelerator Program, an exclusive 10-week small business initiative developed by SBDC in partnership with the City of Carbondale.
“Our partnership with the City of Carbondale, through the Accelerator Program, is a big support, helping businesses get off the ground when it matters most,” Jessup said.
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover the Small Business Spotlight from 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 1 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale. For more information, email sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.
Honoring accomplishments
The evening will feature recognition of recent small business milestones, special exhibits and more. Each of the program graduates will be formally recognized for their hard work in completing the rigorous program that included creating a business plan, developing a budget and bookkeeping system, establishing policies and procedures, designing marketing materials, preparing and filing legal business formation paperwork and handling other necessary work to get their businesses started.
Winners of the Carbondale Accelerator Program (CAP) Business Plan Competition will also be announced. Participants deliver a 10-minute business pitch to a panel of judges for the chance to earn up to $5,000 in seed funding. All businesses that successfully complete the program also receive $1,250 in start-up funding.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the official launch of these new business ventures, and light refreshments will be served. Guests attending the event can view exhibits highlighting the new ventures and their services and products.
Recognizing National Small Business Week
This year’s spotlight is part of National Small Business Week, which takes place April 28 to May 4, and SBDC will continue its celebration of small businesses. Current and previous graduates of the Carbondale Accelerator Program will gather for a “Grand Pitch” competition during which they will make business plan presentations as they vie for a top prize of up to $6,000 and a second prize of up to $2,000. Officials say it’s all part of the ongoing effort by the Illinois SBDC at SIU and the City of Carbondale to foster business entrepreneurship and growth.
The Illinois SBDC at SIU provides no-cost, one-on-one advisement, training opportunities and access to tools to help small businesses succeed. For more information, visit the website or email sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.