Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton will meet with women business owners and leaders at the Dan Richmond Economic Development Center in February to hear what women need to succeed in business. (Photo provided by Amihere Benson)
April 30, 2024
SIU's Small Business Development Center named Illinois SBDC of the Year
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has been named the 2024 Illinois SBDC of the Year, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. This prestigious award will be presented at a special public ceremony on May 2 at 10 a.m. at the DunnRichmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive.
The event, held in conjunction with National Small Business Week, will be attended by state and local officials.
“SIU's Illinois Small Business Development Center has been the foundation of our business services since we met our first small business customer in 1985,” said Lynn Andersen, Executive Director of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development and SIU. Lindbergh said. Research Park. “Whether assisting with market research, business planning, financial analysis, or other services, the SBDC team works together to help emerging and expanding Southern Illinois businesses be the best they can be. This award from the U.S. Small Business Administration and recognition from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is a testament to the many small business owners across the region who have chosen SIU's Illinois Small Business Development Center as their trusted facility. I am very proud of all of our staff who have worked to provide quality business support, not only today but over the past 39 years.”
media advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover the 2024 Illinois SBDC of the Year Awards presentation on Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at the Dunn Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale. For more information, email sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.
Helping you launch and grow your business
Each year, the SBA recognizes the achievements of small businesses and their “champions” during National Small Business Week (April 28-May 4). This period is dedicated to recognizing companies that boost the country's economy on a daily basis.
Special guests scheduled to attend Thursday's ceremony include Willette LeGrant, SBA's Illinois District Director. Erica White, Illinois SBDC State Director. Carbondale Mayor Carolyn Harvey and other SIU and community officials. Ms. Harvey will present her statement in honor of National Small Business Week, and a reception will follow the presentation.
Additional activities to showcase small businesses will be held throughout the day, including the announcement of the winners of the Carbondale Accelerator Program's business competition and the presentation of the newest graduates of the Launch That Business program at 4:30 p.m.
The SBA Illinois District Office, along with its partners, will host its annual Lenders and Small Business Awards reception this summer, during which SIU's SBDC and others will be recognized. The event will also feature expert panelists and guest speakers, focusing on the state's economy and the future of Illinois small businesses.
Services available to everyone
The Illinois SBDC is a foundational component of SIU's Office of Innovation and Economic Development, which provides a wide range of no-cost, confidential business services to help local entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. Masu. The center will also help you leverage new technology and expand into additional markets, provide one-on-one expert advice, and provide training and workshops.
For more information about SIU's SBDC and its many services, visit the website, email sbdc@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.
