Workshops and Events

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Last Updated: Sep 12, 2025, 01:45 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.

Workshops

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

  • 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. Registration now open!
    A logo with blue and green text that says "Southern Illinois 2025 Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions. It includes the Regions Bank logo.

  • Advantage Illinois Lender Forum

    Learn about new updates to the Advantage Illinois program—designed to make it easier for small businesses to access financing when traditional options fall short. You’ll discover how the program works, what makes a business eligible, and how it can help you secure the capital you need to launch, expand, or create jobs. 

    Advantage Illinois Logo

  • 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.

    September 9, 11:00am - 1:00pm

    October 8, 9:00am - 11:00am

    November 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

    December 9, 11:00am - 1:00pm

    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.

  • 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. Marketing Unleashed returns August 25, 2025.
    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.

  • 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, click the link below. 
    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."

  • DCEO’s Office of Accountability

    Curious about the grant lifecycle or wanting to learn more about the different facets of grants? Have a grant-related question that you would like answered in real time? The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) offers live virtual trainings and office hours. 

    Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity logo

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