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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 travel with the U.S. Navy, Byham transitioned into civilian life with a long-standing interest in business ownership. The couple connected with Vetrepreneurs, a national organization that supports veterans pursuing entrepreneurship, where they were introduced to several franchise opportunities before selecting Uptown Cheapskate for its strong culture, franchise support and proven resale model.

Uptown Cheapskate specializes in buying and reselling fashionable, gently used clothing and accessories for young adults ages 14 to 35. With more than 130 locations nationwide and several successful stores already operating in the St. Louis region, the brand continues to grow rapidly. The Fairview Heights location will be the first Uptown Cheapskate in Illinois, helping to keep clothing in circulation while offering stylish options at accessible prices.

“We were looking for a business that aligned with our values and offered strong support,” said Byham. “Uptown Cheapskate stood out to us not just because of the business model, but because of the people behind the brand and the emphasis on sustainability and community.”

While the couple initially explored opening their store in Edwardsville to be closer to Southern Illinois University students, they ultimately chose Fairview Heights for its role as an established retail hub within the Metro East. The presence of the complementary sister franchise Kid to Kid in Edwardsville further informed their decision, allowing each business to serve distinct age groups without overlapping markets.

The Fairview Heights Uptown Cheapskate store will open in phases, beginning with buying operations this August, followed by a full retail grand opening scheduled for September. The Byhams hope their store will become a destination for affordable fashion, sustainability and community connection.

As first-time business owners, Mark and Laurie worked closely with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville throughout the startup process. The SBDC provided guidance on LLC formation, compliance, financing, real estate connections and professional referrals.

“Jo Ann and the SBDC have been incredible,” said Byham. “They helped us understand what we didn’t know and connected us with the right people at the right time. That support gave us confidence moving forward.”

“It has been a privilege to support Mark and Laurie as they pursue their entrepreneurial goals,” said Jo Ann Di Maggio May, Director of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE. “They demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and put in the work required to succeed.”

About Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate is a national resale clothing franchise specializing in trendy, gently used apparel and accessories for teens and young adults. With more than 130 locations across the United States, the brand promotes sustainability by keeping clothing in circulation while offering affordable fashion choices.

About the Illinois SBDC at SIUE
The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs like as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. SBDC 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.

SBDC offices in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

PHOTO: Business owners Mark and Laurie Byham with daughter, Haley