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IL SBDC for Metro East at SIUE Celebrates House of Ninjas Grand Opening

Posted November 06, 2019

House of Ninjas, LLC, a family-owned ninja warrior obstacle course training facility for youth and adults, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1334 Central Park Drive in O’Fallon.

Owner John Wilmas and his wife, Nicky, have worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May to achieve their dream of opening a ninja warrior gym.

Their interest in Am...

IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Celebrates Pawfect PupPort Grand Opening

Posted August 30, 2019

Pawfect PupPort, LLC, a premier source for pet transportation, is now offering its services to select cities in Madison County. Owner Khiara Mills has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Business Specialist Marti Wieland to help bring her joint passion for pets and driving to life.

The Pawfect PupPort mission is to save you time, while accommodating your pet transportation needs. The i...

SBDC for the Metro East Celebrates Freda’s Fabulous Creations Ribbon Cutting

Posted August 09, 2019

Freda’s Fabulous Creations, LLC, which specializes in taking your imagination and turning it into a beautiful creation through decoration, celebrates its ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce. Owner Alfreda Banks has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May to help bring Banks’ passion for...

SBDC for the Metro East Celebrates Expansion of Client Sweet Katie Bees

Posted July 30, 2019

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrates Sweet Katie Bees’ July expansion to a new location at 131 E. First St. in O’Fallon.

Owners Kate Hendrix and her daughter, Beth, are delighted to take their business to new heights by offering customers inclusive options for treats and coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch.

“We are enthusiastic about this move, and we are optimisti...

SBDC for the Metro East Celebrates Healing Naturally Boutique Grand Opening

Posted July 07, 2019

Healing Naturally Boutique, LLC, an all-natural and organic skincare, clothing, and CBD oil boutique held its grand opening on Sat., July 6 in Lebanon. Owner Kili Green worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and business specialist Marti Guntren to successfully develop a business plan and make Green’s dream come true.

Green is passionate about providing her customers with all-nat...

SBDC for the Metro East Assists Down the Hall Homebrew with Rebranding Shop in Belleville

Posted June 24, 2019

Susan and Jeremy Hall

Jeremy Hall has taken over the Happy Hop Homebrew & Gourmet in Belleville. He and his wife, Susan, will be rebranding the shop with their own mark: Down the Hall Homebrew, Inc.

The Halls have been working with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) since April 2018. The collaboration began when Jeremy attended an SBDC monthly “Starting a Small Business in Illinois” seminar, which highlighted ...

SBDC for the Metro East Celebrates Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center Grand Opening

Posted June 13, 2019

Jo Ann DiMaggio May

IL SBDC Director

Office: 618-650-2929

June 13, 2019

SBDC for the Metro East Celebrates
Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center Grand Opening

Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center owner Dr. Ryan Cleland worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to successfully open his newest wellness center on Saturday, June 1 at 220 Evergreen Dr., Suite B in Glen Carbon...

IL SBDC for the Metro East Celebrates Warm N Cozy Quilting as Illinois Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

Posted April 17, 2019

Warm N Cozy Quilting, client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has won the 2019 “Illinois Family-Owned Small Business of the Year” award from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The SBA annually honors small businesses and small business advocates nationally, who are creating 21st-century jobs, driving innovation and increasing America’s global competitiveness. Warm N Coz...

IL SBDC for the Metro East Assists V8TV & Speed Shop Expansion in Red Bud

Posted March 22, 2019

When V8 Speed & Resto Shop and V8TV Productions, Inc. in Red Bud had the opportunity to expand its classic and muscle car restoration shop into the building next door, it reached out to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for guidance and resources.

V8 Speed & Resto Shop and V8TV Productions owners Kevin and Kelle Oeste needed assistance to expand their business, and they trusted the SBDC.

The Oeste...

Parker & Co. Boutique Expands to West County Mall with the Support of the IL SBDC Metro East

Posted March 14, 2019

The Parker & Co. Boutique women’s apparel e-commerce business is expanding by selling clothing at Kindred in West County Mall.

Parker & Co. owner Sara Duguay has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville since late 2018. She has consulted continuously with SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May to gain insights and guidance on running her business more efficiently.

Parker & Co offer...

SBDC For The Metro East Client Built By Battle Expands Product Offerings

Posted March 05, 2019

Built By Battle, LLC (BXB) has been a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville since 2015.

Owner Danny Smith created BXB to offer quality t-shirts, baseball tees, tanks, and sweatshirts for both men and women. When an individual wears the BXB apparel, it’s a message that battles have been faced and life challenges have been tackled. The apparel reflects BXB’s optimistic messages &#8220...

SBDC Metro East Supports New Aristocrats Boutique in Highland

Posted February 13, 2019

The red carpet to success for Aristocrats Boutique owner Felicia Frey began when she joined the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) at the SBDC Day Open House in Highland in September 2018.

Frey attended the exclusive workshop of “Starting a Small Business in Illinois,” and she met with Business Specialist Marti Guntren to gather information on how to develop a business plan, financial...

SBDC Metro East Aids New Owner of A Holistic Approach in Glen Carbon

Posted February 07, 2019

A Holistic Approach (AHA) in Glen Carbon provides the community and surrounding areas with methods to improve lives through stress reduction. Holistic means focusing on the client as a whole. It utilizes teamwork and taking a comprehensive look at how to support each individual through massage, oils, wellness education, yoga and meditation.

New owner Kendra Sweezey-Errar is a registered nurse and massage therapist, and is currently working as a hospice nurse. She is motivated t...

SBDC Metro East Supports Queen Beedz in a New Collaboration with Restoration Alley DIY Studio & Handmade Market

Posted February 05, 2019

Queen Beedz, a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville since 2017, will now have its jewelry available at Restoration Alley DIY Studio & Handmade Market in Ellisville, Mo.

Queen Beedz owner Susan Hackney is thrilled to be able to work together with Restoration Alley owner Jennah Jahn, who is a like-minded, driven entrepreneur.

Throughout her relationship with the SBDC, Hackney has rece...

Tech Fusion and JB’s Smartphone Repair Share Space in Troy with Help of IL SBDC for Metro East at SIUE

Posted January 17, 2019

Two clients of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Tech Fusion and JB’s Smartphone Repair, decided to share space for their respective businesses with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Jan. 4.

Tech Fusion owners Julian Smith and Diego Espinoza met JB Smartphone Repair’s Josef Bosnyak through a mutual friend in SIUE’s Information Technology Services (ITS). Smith and Espinoza contacted Bosnyak...

Empyre Laundry Uses IL SBDC Metro East at SIUE Expertise, Launches Family-Owned Laundromat in East St. Louis

Posted January 15, 2019

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has equipped Empyre Laundry with the expertise to successfully launch its first laundromat in East St. Louis. Empyre Laundry’s ribbon cutting takes place from 9:30 -11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 3600 State St.

Empyre Laundry owner Maria Jones has been passionately working on her business with guidance and support from SBDC graduate assistant Adrine (Renny) Krik...

IL SBDC at SIUE Client Metro East Therapy Expands

Posted December 03, 2018

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced that SBDC client Metro East Therapy in Edwardsville has expanded its business.

The SBDC and Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May have greatly supported Metro East Therapy owner Maggie Block. Di Maggio May has assisted Block since the early stages of her business plan and also assisted in Block’s property acquisition to move to a new, larger location....

Metro East SBDC at SIUE Supports PinMe Organics’ Gourmet Mushrooms

Posted November 09, 2018

PinMe Organics owner Maracus Scott started his PinMe Organics mushroom business as a hobby just a few short months ago. It grew rapidly and now has a promising future with help from the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

Scott works at SIUE in Information Technology Services. Capitalizing on his on-campus network, he contacted the SBDC for assistance. SBDC Business Specialist Marti Guntren offered one-o...

IL SBDC at SIUE Welcomes First Record Store in Decades to Edwardsville

Posted November 06, 2018

When it comes to figuring out the process and perfect location to open the first record store in Edwardsville in decades, look no further than Trusty Chords Record Shop. The music store hopes to draw crowds at its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 1514 Troy Rd., Suite C at 11 a.m. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m.

Behind this musical venture are owners Colin Anderson and Scott Brunkhorst, who share common interests in music and entrepreneurship, along with the help f...

IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Celebrates JewelRide Launch

Posted October 18, 2018

JewelRide, a forward-looking transportation company serving the Metro East with a primary focus on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), has opened in Edwardsville.

Owner Tapiwa Mupereki has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May since August, receiving assistance to successfully plan and start the business.

“Each year, more than 3.6 million...

Unique Woodworks Introduced to Metro East Through IL SBDC at SIUE

Posted September 26, 2018

Like most entrepreneurs, Unique Woodworks owner Timothy Smock has faced success and struggles throughout his business career. Now, he is faced with a fresh challenge of starting a venture in a new state.

Smock has learned what to do and what not to do after being his own boss. He has also discovered an enormous opportunity for his woodworking passion.

Unique Woodworks is known for custom wood signs, furniture, and myriad replications, as well as custom works with 3-D imprints, LED ...

Metro East SBDC Client Sly Hedgehog Productions Makes Home in Alton

Posted September 18, 2018

Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been working with Sly Hedgehog Productions for over a year aiding in its growth and achievements in hosting interactive murder mysteries. Sly Hedgehog now has its own location in Alton in the Milton Schoolhouse.

Owners Libby Sykes and Jessica Napier agree that working with SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May has made the process of operating their business much more enjo...

The Tibbett’s House: Bed, Breakfast & Books Welcomes All for the Holiday Season

Posted December 10, 2017

Mindy and Brett Costo

When you stay at a hotel, do you get the warm comfortable feeling of a home?

Didn’t think so.

When you choose to stay at The Tibbett’s House: Bed, Breakfast & Books in Highland, you are greeted with the smell of freshly baked cookies, and genuine hospitality from owners Brett and Mindy Casto. They even have their company mascots to greet you, too … their two dogs.

You have access to snacks, drinks and toiletries during your stay, as well as some time to connect with othe...

Retirement leads to Queen Beedz with the SBDC’s support

Posted December 05, 2017

Susan Hackney, owner of Queen Beedz.

EDWARDSVILLE - Susan Hackney was looking for a creative outlet as she eased her way into retirement. A lifelong learner, she decided the extra time on her hands provided the opportunity to learn new skills. Having an interest in growing her passion for jewelry making into a business, she learned about the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

She first attended the SBDC’s monthly worksh...

Murder Mysteries in Metro East

Posted October 04, 2017

IL SBDC Helps Sly Hedgehog with Murder Mysteries

October 4, 2017, 11:48 AM

(L-R): Jessica Napier and Libby Sykes.

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni Jessica Napier and Libby Sykes are providing the local area with a live version of the board game “Clue” with their Murder Mystery Dinner events. Their next event is Saturday, Oct. 21, “Horrors in Hawkins: A Murder Mystery Inspired by Stranger Things” from 6-10 p.m. at the Wildey Theater in Edwardsville. The dinners involve murder,...

Rainbow Station Preschool and Daycare

Posted December 22, 2016

Metro East SBDC at SIUE Helps Existing Daycare Business Expand

22 December 2016, 9:28 AM

LaDonnaTunstall

Rainbow Station Preschool & Daycare in Belleville is an ideal example of an existing business that tapped into the complimentary expertise available at the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

In August 2016, owner LaDonna Tunstall approached the SBDC for expertise in how to expand her business and to locate a larger space. She ...

Built by Battle

Posted December 06, 2016

SIUE SBDC Aids New Clothing and Branding Firm Built By Battle

6 December 2016, 9:55 AM

smith-danny

Like many individuals, Danny Smith has faced his share of battles and has struggled with ways of overcoming them. Thanks to expertise from the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center, Smith has founded a clothing and brand company, Built By Battle, to inspire others to tackle their battles and succeed.

“We all have battles in our lives,” Smith said. “It&#8...