Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE

First-time Business Owners Worked Closely with Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE

What began as a post-military transition after decades of service has evolved into a new, community-focused small business in the Metro East. Mark Byham and wife, Laurie, are bringing the nationally recognized resale clothing franchise Uptown Cheapskate to Fairview Heights, expanding access to affordable, sustainable fashion on the Illinois side of the river.

After more than 30 years of service and global tra...

The SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is helping Illinois-based natural insect repellent manufacturer Skitopel® prepare for international growth by providing strategic export counseling, market research, and connections to trusted export resources.

Founded by SIUE alumna April Robbins in 2019, Skitopel was inspired by a simple observation made while working in her family garden in Bunker Hill, Ill. After discovering that herbs such as lavend...

Fourth-generation farm reimagined to strengthen local food systems, improve community health and support regional economic growth

Good Deeds Farm, founded by Sharie Cradduck, is introducing a community-focused agricultural model that supports rural economic development, expands access to locally grown food, and promotes long-term public health outcomes in Randolph County.

Built on a fourth-generation family farm, the business represents a growing movement toward small-scale, sustainable agricult...

Entrepreneurs and new business startups are invited to compete in the 2026 Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 13th 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 SBDC’s service area. Counties served include Jersey, Calhoun, Ma...

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is exploring collaboration opportunities with the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at SIUE to strengthen international market opportunities for agribusinesses, biofuel innovators and agricultural technology companies across the region.

In early May, the organizations held a discussion that reflected a shared interest in supporting innovation, commer...

What began as quality time spent with family has evolved into an innovative new business serving local families in part to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Ridge Runner Hobby, a mobile party business that brings remote-control (RC) vehicle experiences directly to homes, schools and community celebrations, was created after a career transition left founder Eric Barbee spending more time at home with his childre...

New community-driven business offers a safe, affordable space for buying and selling household items

A new locally owned business is bringing a fresh approach to resale shopping in the Metro East. Marketplace Live, founded by Jessica Billingsley, is an eco-conscious furniture and home goods store designed to provide families with an affordable and convenient place to buy and sell gently used items. Billingsley sought advice for her startup from the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Québec Government Office in Chicago, reinforcing its commitment to international collaboration and economic partnership development. The visit focused on identifying opportunities for cooperation across key industries, including transportation, logistics, aerospace, and professional services.

Coordinated by the SIUE Small Business Development Center (SBDC) International Trade Center (ITC), the visi...

Innovative, education-driven healthcare business expands access to non-invasive pain management while supporting local economic growth

After more than two decades in physical therapy, licensed physical therapist and movement educator Alex Schaefer opened Recovery Through Movement in O’Fallon. By applying a brain-based approach, Schaefer’s practice is centered on education, empowerment, and long-term outcomes rather than short-term symptom relief. The therapist received guidance in h...

What began as an opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a customer-centered small business serving communities across the Metro East. With guidance from the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, RIP Outdoor Pest Solutions, founded by Rebecca Harper, is a locally owned pest control company specializing in outdoor nuisance pests, driven by a simple but often overlooked mission: helping people feel comfortable in their own s...

On Wednesday, April 15, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is partnering with the City of Fairview Heights to host a high-impact business development event designed to help entrepreneurs successfully launch and strengthen their businesses.

As small businesses navigate an increasingly competitive and complex economic environment, having the right foundation and professional network is critical. This event, held at...

On Wednesday, March 18, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE is partnering with the Monroe County Economic Development Corporation to host a high-impact "SBDC Day" specifically designed to help local business owners navigate the complexities of securing business financing and scaling operations.

As small businesses face a rapidly evolving economic landscape, access to capital remains a top priority. National SBDC data shows that clients who ...