Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIU

Helping Businesses in Southern Illinois Start, Grow, and Succeed 

Welcome to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University, where small business dreams become reality! Named Center of the Year for Illinois in 2024, we're your go-to resource offering free, confidential business advising, dynamic training opportunities, and essential resources.

Our team of Certified Business Advisors is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs every step of the way – whether you're launching, expanding, or aiming to innovate and thrive. From navigating funding to crafting strategic business plans, mastering digital marketing, and exploring new markets, we provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Southern Illinois University, our SBDC has been a cornerstone of small business success since 1985. Whether you're an SIU student, staff member, or anyone starting or relocating a business to southern Illinois, we're here for you.

Connect with us today to ignite your entrepreneurial journey!

Our team of professional advisors are not only advisors but also entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds and expertise in a variety of areas such as business planning, market information, business financing programs, financial analysis, prototype development, e-commerce, and intellectual property, among others.

In addition to the business services of the Illinois SBDC at SIU, there is assistance to help businesses sell their products and services to the government through the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University.

There is also assistance to assist businesses to export their products and services throughout the world with the International Trade Centers in addition to all the Small Business Development Centers located throughout Illinois and the U.S. Find the nearest Center to you. 

Whatever questions you have or business goals you want to achieve, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU can help.  Feel free to give us a call at 618-536-2424 or Contact Us to set an appointment for no-cost and confidential business guidance.