For the first time since it opened in 1985, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU-Carbondale is the Illinois SBDC of the Year, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
There are over 40 centers in the state and Illinois SBDC director Ericka White says the SIU facility's historical knowledge is what's lacking in many institutions.
"Everyone comes in and tries to recreate the wheel. It's not needed. Experience is what's needed. Knowledge is what's needed. That's what we have here."
Melissa Ray Roach is director of the center being honored at SIU. She's thankful the facility is getting much of the attention.
"Having a spotlight on the program, to be able to get the word out more about what the SBDC does is an added benefit of this. But, our team is thrilled to be able to receive this honor. It's humbling."
Roach says they offer free, one-on-one business counseling to get the process started. She says businesses can stay with the center for the life of the venture.
"It's not just for start-ups. They can work with us on marketing, expansion, hiring employees. It helps them get off of their entrepreneurial island and have somebody with them."
The SBDC is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and SIU.
The SIU center has seen 245 clients so far this year, which is on pace to surpass last year's total of 597 clients.
Roach says this shows how the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in southern Illinois.
