Workshops and Events

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Last Updated: Nov 02, 2026, 02:10 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.

  • 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.

    November 5, 11:00-1:00pm

    December 11, 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.

  • Veteran Small Business Week Resource Day

    Celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week with SIU's Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED)! This event brings together several OIED programs, including the Illinois APEX Accelerator and the Illinois Small Business Development Center, along with special guest Veterans Business Outreach Center powered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), to highlight resources and support available to veteran entrepreneurs.

    November 13, 9:00am-12:00pm

    National Veterans Small Business Week: Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made. Veterans Small Business Week Resource Day, November 13, 2026, 9:00am-12:00pm.

  • Marketing Unleashed

    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.

    Thank you for a successfull 2026 event! Stay tuned for information on Marketing Unleashed 2027. 

    Marketing Unleashed 2026 Creative Strategies for Small Businesses

  • Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions

    Are you an entrepreneur with a business idea, new concept, or expansion plan? Ready to take your vision to the next level? We invite you to participate in The Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions Bank.

    The 2026 season is underway. Stay tuned for information on the 2027 competition season. 

    Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions logo in blue and green text.

  • 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.

    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.

  • SBA Learning Platform

    SBA offers online training programs, and development and growth opportunities designed to empower and educate small business owners.

    Find Live Training Events

    SBA Learning Platform 

    U.S Small Business Administration Logo

  • 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

  • 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."

  • 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