Small Business Development Center

The Artstream Studio, a creative, convenient, one-of-a-kind, mobile art studio and event venue, recently opened in November to provide unique art enrichment programs, after school activities, birthday parties and art parties to the St. Louis Metro area.

Owner Jennifer Beech 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 fulfill her dream of inspiring creativity, art an...

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will celebrate Empyre Laundry’s first anniversary in East St. Louis on Sunday, Jan. 19.

Empyre Laundry owner Maria Jones provides commercial-grade, self-service laundry and laundry cleaning services. Customers are able to utilize a clean, comfortable and safe setting with various sized washers and dryers. Empyre also offers a drop-off service for $1 per pound.

“I am...

Tiny’s Party Rental, LLC, a family-owned party rental business is now serving the Edwardsville area.

Owners Andrew and Maria Acheson have worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Business Specialist Marti Wieland since July to achieve their dream of opening a community-oriented business.

Tiny’s Party Rental works to provide complete party rental needs, including tents, tables and chairs, pa...

Unwrap You with Coach Melody owner Melody McClellan 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 2015 to grow her passion for health and wellness.

Based in O'Fallon, Illinois, Coach Melody’s goal is to educate and improve health outcomes. She creates and implements corporate wellness programs, develops personalized workshops, facilitates challenges and workshops,...

Wright Choice Counseling, Ltd., which offers telehealth online therapy specializing in couples, trauma and mental health counseling, will celebrate its grand opening on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Owner Jessica Wright 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 to achieve her dream of opening a private practice to better the community.

A licensed clinical social worker, W...

The National Development Council (NDC) is partnering with the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to bring two valuable small business financial sessions to the area on Dec. 4 and 5.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, local business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the region are invited to attend and participate in the financial workshop “Cash Management Basics” from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the East St. Louis Library, 5300 State St. in East St. Louis. To r...

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 American N...

Cover Me, of Edwardsville, is the winner of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 6^th annual Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC) business plan competition. CoverMe emerged from eight Southwestern Illinois-based entrepreneurs to claim the $10,000 first prize.

Tech entrepreneur Jeremy Packer has created CoverMe, an E-Gaming Platform that connects players and sponsors.

Representing House of Ninjas LLC, of O’Fallon, owner John Wilmas recei...

Bryan Schubert has opened Millpond Brewing and Incubator at 308 E. Washington St. in Millstadt. Schubert has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Business Specialist Marti Wieland since April 2018 to successfully plan his microbrewery.

Schubert has been homebrewing for nearly 10 years and decided a few years ago to pursue opening his own brewery. Everything happened to align perfectly, and he has no...

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 people miss...

Eight Southwestern Illinois-based entrepreneurs and their innovative business concepts have been selected to move on to the final round of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 6^th annual Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC) business plan competition.

A total of 16 semifinalists completed and submitted their full business plans with the support of the SBDC and professional business mentors. First prize is worth $10,000, second prize is $6,000 ...

The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville           is collaborating with accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP (CLA) and the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce to bring a special “Minimum Wage Updates for Employers” Workshop to Collinsville from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. The session unites local CPA Kalee Werle with other business resou...

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 idea came...

The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is collaborating with the Illinois Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) to bring a specialized “Is WBE Certification Right for You” workshop to Edwardsville from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Town & Country Bank in Edwardsville. This session brings together local WBDC Associate Director Jacinta Witherspoon and SBDC business advisors to support women small busi...

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 decorating to life...

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 optimistic for the future,&...

The City of Highland is pleased to bring the valuable small business expertise of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE to area entrepreneurs and business owners.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, entrepreneurs throughout the region are encouraged to attend the “Starting a Small Business in Illinois” workshop presented by SBDC Small Business Specialist Marti Wieland. The workshop will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. at Highland City Hall, 1115 Broadway.

Adv...

Queen Beedz, a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville since 2017, celebrated its second anniversary on July 1, much to the delight of owner Susan Hackney.

Hackney started her jewelry business as a hobby, with the simple intention of making bracelets to fit her wrists - she never dreamed it would flourish and grow as it has over the past two years. This success has filled her with happiness and excitement as...

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-natural, organic ...

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 a vari...

Entrepreneurs and new business startups are invited to compete in the 2019 Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s sixth 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 Calhoun, Jersey, Madison...

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.

Cleland has been in the medical and health industry for 13 years and has run a private chiropractic practice for 11 of those years. SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May assisted Cleland in p...

The Village of Godfrey is collaborating with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to host the Social Media and Marketing Tools for Small Business seminar from 12-1 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at Godfrey Village Hall, 6810 Godfrey Rd.

Please register in advance for the free seminar, by visiting ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/31278.

Prior to the seminar, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., local business owners and entrepreneurs are...

Jo Ann DiMaggio May, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, received two awards at the Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association (IESBGA) Conference in Champaign held May 15-17 at the Hyatt Place Hotel.

Among seven Illinois SBDC Network Shining Star awards, DiMaggio May and her center were honored in the promotion/public relations category for her “tremendous promotional and p...

Barb Razer, owner of B&A Respirator Services, LLC has been a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) since 2017.

SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May has assisted and provided Razer with referrals for website design, a list of network connections and helped with registering her LLC.

“Jo Ann has been a valuable source for opportunities, training sessions, proofreading, counseling, research and prov...

Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde, of St. Louis, was one of more than 60 people attending the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment’s informational meeting on funding opportunities for minority-owned businesses. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted the session on Tuesday, May 14 at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. 

The informationa...

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 Cozy Quilting is ...

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 Oestes have been wo...

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC)/Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) network is hosting an informational workshop from 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 to promote, educate and provide resources to small businesses eligible to participate in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program.

In addition to the HUBZone seminar, the SBDC network is collaborating with the Greater East St. Louis Business Deve...

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 offers a large variety of app...

The City of Centralia is pleased to bring a valuable small business resource to the area. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East will host local business owners and entrepreneurs from throughout the region for staff introductions and one-on-one counseling sessions.

The event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at City Hall, 101 S. Locust Street in Centralia. A 60-minute exclusive workshop, “Social Media Best Practices,” will be prese...

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 “for the eve...

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 referrals, an...

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 to continue t...

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 received consistent suppor...

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 about ref...

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) Krikorian for ...

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is excited to be collaborating with accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) and the Greater East St. Louis Business Development Association (GEBDA) to bring a specialized “Making Sense of the New Tax Law” workshop to Belleville from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. 

The session brings together local certified public accountants, Justin Price and other b...

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.

“Jo Ann ...

Increased clientele and the popularity of handmade gifts have led a pair of entrepreneurs to expand their quilting business.

Located in Columbia, Warm N Cozy Quilting is owned by mother-daughter pair, Debbie Chitty and Danielle Cyvas. Their recently expanded shop located on 816 South Main Street #2 now allows them to offer more fabrics, classes, additional services like sew days, and an area for their Quilts of Valor group to create quilts for veterans.

The Illinois Small Business Development ...

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-on-one, no-...

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 from Greg Wilhelm. ...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s fifth annual Metro East Startup Challenge (MESC), a regional business plan competition for entrepreneurs and startups, announced its three winners today at the Doubletree Hotel in Collinsville with Waterloo-based VAST Produce earning the $10,000 grand prize.

Beastman Tea, LLC, founded by Bradford Eastman, won the $6,000 second place prize. Eli Ball earned the $4,000 third place award for Midway Spark, LLC.

Brothers Benjamin, Jonathan, Tyler, An...

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) are hosting a Veterans Starting a Small Business in Illinois Seminar and Speed Networking event from 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14. The event takes place at SIUE’s Lukas Annex in the Cougar Pavilion of the Vadalabene Center.

 The event is open to all entrepreneurs, particul...

The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host a Spanish language workshop on Starting a Small Business in Illinois from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Fairmont City Library.  

The SBDC will be available to offer advice to entrepreneurs planning to start a business. The workshop is open to all Latino entrepreneurs in the community and will focus on a variety of general topics designed to instruct new business...

The City of Trenton invites local and regional business owners and entrepreneurs to meet the staff of the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to participate in one-on-one counseling sessions. The event runs from 10 a.m.-noon, Friday, Nov. 9 at the Trenton Education Center-Kaskaskia College, located at 520 E. Broadway in Trenton.

Illinois SBDC Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May finds these open house events as an effective ...

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the Greater East Saint Louis Business Development Association (GEBDA) will bring local small business and government together in an open dialogue from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26. The event is set for SIUE’s East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, Building D Multipurpose Rooms 1006-1008.

 The event is open to all business owners regionally, particularly St. ...

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 signs (glass...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s International Trade Center (ITC), Small Business Development Center, and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), along with TheBANK of Edwardsville and additional partners will host a conference on Friday, Oct. 5: “Immigrants in Our Midst,” that focuses on how to better serve U.S. immigrants’ financial, legal and social needs. The event will take place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in SIUE’s Morris University Conference Center.

SIUE alu...

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 enjoyable. Mos...