Workshops and Events

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Last Updated: Apr 25, 2025, 03:44 PM

Business learning workshops aim to provide attendees with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to be more effective in their jobs and achieve their professional goals. Facilitated by experienced business professionals or trainers, they cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, project management, communication, marketing, finance, and sales. Some are held in person or online. See below for a list of upcoming workshops; click the links to register

For a full list of upcoming workshops and events, visit Illinois SBDC at SIU Training Events.

There are three photos from a previous Carbondale Accelerator Program graduation side-by-side. One shows a graduate holding a giant check, the center one shows a woman cutting a giant ribbon with giant scissors, and the last shows a woman standing behind a table at a vendor fair.

Small Business Spotlight Event

Join us for the Small Business Spotlight as we celebrate some of the area’s newest entrepreneurs - the Carbondale Accelerator Program graduates!

May 1, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Dunn Richmond Economic Development Center
1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale

This is an opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, learn about what it takes to start and grow a business, and discover resources that support small businesses. Network with business advisors, regional professionals, and program graduates. Celebrate the achievements of new business owners and competition winners, and explore ways to get involved in our vibrant business community. Light refreshments will be served.

View the Event Flyer

Workshops

Register for a workshop to build confidence and expand your expertise.

  • Starting Your Business In Illinois

    Interested in starting your own business but have questions? Join us for Starting Your Business in Illinois workshop where an advisor will discuss the basics of getting started and answer any questions you may have. This workshop is no-cost and will be held in-person.

    May 7, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
    June 12, 11:00am - 1:00pm
    July 15, 9:00am - 11:00am
    August 8, 1:00 - 3:00pm

    An image of a hand holding a plant with a network of connections superimposed over it. In large font, the words Starting Your Business in Illinois fill the left side of the image.

  • Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions

    Do you have a bold idea, innovative concept, or growth plan? The Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition, powered by Regions Bank, is your opportunity to bring that vision to life. Submit a full business plan and deliver a compelling 90-second pitch for a chance to win. Past competitions have awarded over $20,000 in cash and in-kind services to help businesses thrive. Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 competition and take the next step toward turning your dreams into reality!
    A logo with blue and green text that says "Southern Illinois 2025 Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions. It includes the Regions Bank logo.

  • Marketing Unleashed

    Unlock Your Business Potential with Innovative Marketing Strategies! Join us for Marketing Unleashed, a transformative one-day conference designed specifically for small business owners in Southern Illinois. This event will empower you with the latest marketing techniques and tools to help your business thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 conference.
    The Marketing Unleashed event logo. The words Marketing Unleashed are stacked. The font is navy blue. The a, g, and d's are filled in with red.

  • IL Apex Accelerator at SIU Training Events

    The Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU offers training for small businesses interested in working with the government. 

    Federal, state and local governments spend more than $800 billion annually and many of these opportunities are available for small businesses. Regulations and red tape stop many businesses from applying, but the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU helps businesses identify opportunities and become more competitive in selling their goods and services to the government. 

    For training events offered by APEX Accelerator, Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU Workshops and Events.

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    The Illinois APEX Accelerator logo. The words Illinois APEX Accelerator are stacked. A small image of the Capitol dome is in the upper right corner.

On-demand Training

The Illinois SBDC and APEX Accelerator at SIU have a variety of free on-demand business-focused workshops. These workshops are available 24/7 and will save your progress, so you can watch them at your convenience.

Partner Trainings and Events

Explore a variety of small business training opportunities offered by our trusted partner organizations.

  • National Small Business Week Virtual Summit

    National Small Business Week (NSBW) acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2025 will take place May 4-10, and SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy.

    The SBA is hosting a free 2-day Virtual Summit.

    Dates: May 6-7, 2025
    Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET / 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM PT
    Location: Fully Online

    The event is free to view for both established and aspiring business owners. However, you must first register to gain entry.

    Event details

    A Yellow ribbon across the top displays the text "National Small Business Week Virtual Summit." Under the ribbon it says "May 6-7, 2005" There are five, cartoon, small building underneath the text representing small businesses. Under the buildings is a navy blue block that fills the bottom of the picture. The SBA and SCORE logos appear in the lower left corner inside the navy blue. In the lower right corner is the sba.gov/nsbw web address.

  • United States Patent and Trademark Office

    USPTO hosts several virtual and in-person trainings including Patent Basics, Trademarks Boot Camp, and Intellectual Property Basics. To view their training schedule, visit USPTO Training Events
    United States Patent and Trademark Office logo

  • Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)

    Discover workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities designed to support growth, innovation, and operational excellence in manufacturing.
    IMEC logo. Underneath the letters "I-M-E-C" it says "Plan. Implement. Excel." There are three diamonds to the right of the "C."

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