News

We are excited to share the Southern Illinois 2024 Business Plan Competition, powered by Regions Bank, with you! This is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs in our region to bring their business ideas to life and compete for a share of over $20,000 in cash and in-kind services.
We are reaching out to community partners like you to help us spread the word about this incredible event. Whether you know of individuals with innovative ideas or existing small businesses looking to expand, we invite you to share this opportunity with your network.
Key Details:
Who Can Participate: Start-ups, existing small businesses, and pre-venture entrepreneurs from eligible Southern Illinois counties with new ideas, products, or services.
Competition Structure: Participants will submit a full business plan and deliver a 90-second pitch. The top contenders will be recognized and celebrated at an award ceremony.
Workshops: To help participants succeed, we are offering three mandatory workshops covering essential business topics.
Eligibility: Open to for-profit businesses located in one of the following counties: [list of counties]. Nonprofit organizations, public entities, and businesses engaged in prohibited activities are ineligible.
Registration Dates: September 11th through September 25th. The first workshop begins the week of September 30th.
We believe this event will have a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Illinois, and we would love your support in getting the word out.
To learn more or register, please visit https://sbdc.siu.edu/workshops/business-plan-competition.php?utm_source=Illinois+Small+Business+Development+Center+at+SIU&utm_campaign=aad282f26e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_05_04_59_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d01604a3bc-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D
For any questions, feel free to contact us at 618-536-2424 or sbdc@siu.edu.
In addition, I've attached a flier and social graphic to share and to promote. 
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in fostering small business growth in our region!

Amy Dion
Small Business Specialist and Marketing
Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
1740 Innovation Drive, Suite 110 MC6890
Carbondale, IL  62903
Ph 618-536-2424
Fax 618-453-5040
To schedule and appointment click link: https://calendly.com/adion-sbdc