The Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois (LRT), The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), SIUE’s Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach, and sponsors Busey Bank, FCB Banks, AJ Legal Services, and Revity Credit Union, along with additional partners will host the Immigrants in Our Midst Conference on Friday, September 22. The conference focuses on how to better serve the U.S. Immigrant Workf...
SBDC Events
View our Calendar of Events"SBDC" News
SIUE to Host the Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois 2023 Immigrants in Our Midst Conference
8 August 2023, 9:10 AM
Entrepreneur Inspires Community Positivity with Ed Glen Living Magazine
19 July 2023, 2:20 PM
Megan Grandone, a determined mother and working professional from Western Illinois, moved to the Glen Carbon area with her family 10 years ago and has recently embarked on an exciting entrepreneurial journey with the assistance of the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Driven by her desire to bring positivity to her community and foster connections among the people of Southwest Illinois, Megan successfully launched her magaz...
10th Annual 2023 Metro East Start-Up Challenge to Offer More than $25,000 in Prizes
6 July 2023, 1:30 PM
Entrepreneurs and new business startups are invited to compete in the 2023 Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 10th annual regional business plan competition.
The MESC is organized by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE. The purpose of the challenge is to identify, encourage and support entrepreneurs and business startups across the SBDC’s service area, including Jersey, Calhoun, Madison, Bond...
Entrepreneur Finds Sweet Success with Help from SBDC at SIUE
23 June 2023, 8:00 AM
Dorothy McCoy, an entrepreneur and Army veteran from Illinois began her journey with Metro East Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in May 2022. With the guidance and support of the SBDC, she successfully launched her business, Mo’z Sweet Treat.
McCoy received guidance from the SBDC about her business registration process, mentorship, guidance on health department regulations, assistance in obtaining a micro loan for her business, as well ...
The President’s “E” Award Awarded to SIUE’s Illinois SBDC International Trade Center
6 June 2023, 1:30 PM

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and recognize America’s exporters. On Tuesday, June 6, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received the “E” award for export service at the 62nd anniversary of the award ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The award is the highest recognition a ...
Upcoming Fuel the Future Event with SIUE’s Small Business Development Center and International Trade Center
7 April 2023, 11:20 AM

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Business, and The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and International Trade Centers (ITC) for the Metro East at SIUE are proud to announce the inaugural Fuel the Future event. The event will offer local small business representatives the opportunity to learn about the no-cost services available to them through these SIUE centers for business development and in particular exporting. Additionally, the event will pro...
Illinois SBDC ITC Continues to Create International Connections for Southern Illinois Businesses
9 November 2022, 8:10 AM
An award-winning BBQ sauce, innovative motorcycle parts and components, industrial paint and specialty markers, and touch screen purses that were designed as a way for women and girls alike to safely, securely and fashionably carry their phones are a few of the products from southern Illinois that could soon be in hot demand outside U.S. borders.
That’s because the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) has continued its customized...
IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Strengthens Operation Ten City: St. Louis
16 June 2022, 8:13 AM
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to partner with colleagues at the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the Joseph Center to support Operation Ten City Tour: St. Louis.
“We are excited to partner with the SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE in this venture,” said Director of the Illinois SBDC-ITC-PTAC at the Joseph Center Andy Pham. &#...
EXPORT NOW Inaugural Series Reflects on Successful Launch
15 September 2021, 4:30 PM
The southern Illinois region has long needed a customized, action-oriented export training initiative to put local businesses on the international map. Now, five regional businesses have benefited from such an opportunity, EXPORT NOW.
Presented by the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in partnership with the Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council, LR International and the Illinois District Export Council, with financial support...