Carbondale Accelerator Program

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Last Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 02:24 PM

carbondale-ltb-web-graphic-fall-2024.jpgEquipping Entrepreneurs with what they need to Launch and Thrive 

  • Applications to apply open July 1st and close August 1st
  • Class starts September 5th, 2024

New in 2024 - Embark on an entrepreneurial journey with the collaborative initiative of the City of Carbondale and the Illinois SBDC at SIU. This Accelerator Program is an exclusive grant opportunity strategically designed for small business start-ups. Apply today for this 10-week accountability program offering practical insights, tools, and mentorship to launch a business.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive $1,250 in start-up funding with the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of judges for up to an additional $5,000 in funding. Don’t miss out on this unique grant opportunity to help elevate your business.

About The Program

Throughout the course, participants will attend weekly classes, engage in assignments, and receive personalized mentorship from an SBDC Small Business Advisor, ensuring they're well-guided in their journey to open or expand a business.

Classes meet for 2 hours weekly, with the first hour dedicated to targeted lessons covering different practical topics. The second hour allows participants to work on assignments, meet with mentors/advisors, and address any questions. The course offers flexibility with your preferred learning mode: in-person, virtual, or a hybrid approach, tailored to your needs and resource availability.

For more details call our office 618-536-2424.

In-person location to be held at 1740 Innovation Dr, Carbondale. 

 

Our Program

  • Fall Session - Applications

    • Applications will be accepted starting July 1 - August 1, 2024
    • Class starts September 5, 2024

    Fill Out Your Application Today! 

  • Ideal Candidates

    • Operate a business but haven't registered with the state yet.
    • Have a business concept and are prepared to register as an LLC or establish as a Sole Proprietor.
    • Recently initiated their LLC but require guidance on the subsequent steps.
    • Have a product or service-based business.

  • Eligibility

    • Participants must be at least 18 years old 
    • Participants must have a business idea or an existing business that has been in operation for less than four years. 
    • Participants must live in and/or operate their business in Carbondale, IL   

  • Application Process

    • Those interested in this program will complete an online application 
    • Complete a feasibility checklist. Participants do not need to know all the answers to these questions yet, the idea is that they have begun to think about these items. This can be completed with the assistance of an SBDC advisor.

    Those who meet the criteria will be selected for an interview (those who don't will be referred for one on one counseling)

  • Program Requirements

    Applicant must make satisfactory progress to receive funding. This includes:  

    • Attending all sessions or making arrangements to get missed information to complete assignments. If the participant misses 2 sessions, they will be disqualified from receiving funding.   
    • Complete all assigned tasks by completion of the program.  

Program Agenda

Classes are hybrid (in-person or online)
In-person location: 1740 Innovation Dr, Carbondale
Times: Thursdays from 11am - 1pm

Week 1 - Planning

Participants will hear about the purpose of creating a business plan. They will hear information about how to write a business plan and must complete one by the end of this course.

Week 2 - Formation

Participants will learn about entity types, EIN, sales tax, and business banking. If the participant does not have these things in place, they start the process during this class and complete it by the conclusion of the course.

Week 3 - Financials

Participants will learn how to manage their business finances, track profit/loss, banking, budgeting, and the importance of an accountant. They will also learn to better understand their credit score and how to more bankable. They will create a budget for their business, create a budget for how they will utilize funds, and create a system to keep track of their expenses and income.

Week 4 - Organization

Participants will create a system for storing files, record keeping, and bookkeeping

Week 5 - On the Web

Participants will register their business with Google, learn how to create and manage a website, and how to navigate various social media platforms. They will also learn about SEO and some steps they can take to make their business searchable

Week 6 - Marketing and Branding

Participants will learn tips on how to brand and market their business. They will also learn about trademarks. As a part of this course, they will at minimum do a common law trademark for their business name and logos. They will also create a marketing plan.

Week 7 - Pitches

Participants will learn tips on how to brand and market their business. They will also learn about trademarks. As a part of this course, they will at minimum do a common law trademark for their business name and logos. They will also create a marketing plan.

Week 8 - Business Etiquette

Participants will learn the importance of being consistent, response time, customer service, how they represent their brand/company, and other tips to use beyond selling something.

Week 9 - Business Tools

Participants will learn the importance of being consistent, response time, customer service, how they represent their brand/company, and other tips to use beyond selling something.

Week 10 - Program Wrap Up

Participants will receive any final instructions, can set up appointments with advisor(s), and will learn more about opportunities to celebrate achievements at a graduation ceremony where you will receive a certificate of completion.