News

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, particularly veterans of the Metro East community, and in honor of National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5-9.

The seminar will focus on a variety of general topics designed to instruct new business start-ups as well as individuals who have an interest in entrepreneurship.

 The topics will include:

●    Learning how to develop a viable business plan.

●    Registering your business with state and/or local agencies properly.

●    Exploring financing options and more!

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from local agencies and network with other entrepreneurs.

“This is an opportunity for all entrepreneurs, including veterans, to learn from the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE on how to start a business,” said Jo Ann DiMaggio May, SBDC Director, and experienced Small Business Counselor. “This workshop is to assist entrepreneurs and is a great opportunity for them to learn about starting a business and all the resources available through the SBDC, SBA, VBOC, SIUE, and the Department of Commerce.” 

            This is a free event open to all members of the Metro East community. Online registration is available at http://bit.ly/VetSmallBiz.  For further information, call (618) 650-2929.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE assists existing companies as well as new businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE. 

   By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.