CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Eastern Illinois University's Lumpkin College of Business and Technology is launching the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which will provide free services and resources to small business owners throughout central Illinois.
The announcement came during National Small Business Week, which is celebrated from April 28 to May 4. SBDC's central office is located at Elevate Innovation Center LLC at Cross County Mall in Mattoon. His second office is scheduled to open in Effingham this summer, making his SBDC services available to businesses in eight neighboring counties.
“Our links with the university provide small businesses in the region with a broader network of resources, allowing us to enhance support for both new and existing small businesses looking to grow and expand,” said EIU’s SBDC Director. , said Amy Patrick. “The center is ready to roll up its sleeves and get to work.”
The SBDC project has been over a year in the making and was made possible through Patrick's dedication and state grant support. The Elevate Coles County Innovation Center partnered with the SBDC in 2023 to help expand access to state and federal resources.
We are now able to offer free services to small businesses and startups in Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie, and Shelby counties. These services include providing consultants and advisors, workshops, training, networking and community engagement opportunities, market research and financial analysis, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and strategic roadmap activities.
“The Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University is here to encourage local entrepreneurs, support economic growth and celebrate the spirit of innovation in our community,” Patrick said. “Whether you need help running your business, coming up with marketing ideas, understanding your finances, or planning for the future, his SBDC at EIU has your back.”
For more information, email sbdc@eiu.edu or call 217-258-7233.
