July 14, 2026
Sign up for Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, IDOT training, networking workshop
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Illinois Department of Transportation are hosting a free training and networking event on Wednesday, July 29, at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center in Carbondale.
The workshop, from 10 a.m. to noon, is for contractors, consultants, engineering and architectural firms, suppliers, trucking companies, road and bridge construction businesses and other organizations interested in transportation infrastructure contracting opportunities. This is an opportunity to gain valuable information, resources, and networking opportunities.
There is no cost to attend, but advanced online registration is requested.
Offered by SIU and IDOT’s DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) Supportive Services, the event will help businesses with practical guidance to better understand certifications and requirements, strengthen their competitiveness, and prepare for transportation infrastructure contracting opportunities with IDOT.
Participants will hear from industry professionals with extensive experience helping firms successfully navigate the transportation contracting process in areas including certification, management, and technical assistance. This is also an opportunity for businesses wishing to build relationships with prime contractors and subcontractors.
“Whether you're pursuing transportation infrastructure contracting opportunities, seeking DBE certification, or wishing to build relationships with prime contractors or subcontractors, this event is designed to connect businesses with the knowledge, resources, and industry professionals that can help them compete successfully,” said Brenda Henderson, director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU. “Attendees will leave with practical tools, valuable connections, and a better understanding of how to position their businesses for future contracting opportunities.”
Discover more
Learn more about the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale, by visiting the website at apex.siu.edu, calling 618-536-2355 or emailing APEXaccelerator@siu.edu. Find the complete list of workshops and events on the webpage.
The university’s APEX Accelerator, a unit of SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, is a sister program of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, so businesses get the extra benefit of the complete hub of resources. Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense and made possible through the support of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and SIU.