If you’re an entrepreneur with a great idea to launch or grow a business in Southern Illinois, check out the Southern Illinois 2025 Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions, where more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind services are up for grabs.
“Now in its fourth year, the Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions has grown from one location to five,” said Melissa Ray Roach, director of business incubator programs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development. “What makes it so special? Small businesses say it has helped them make real progress. Progress is motivating; it keeps you going, and ultimately, that is invaluable.”
The competition was established to move new and existing businesses forward by providing vital funding and resources. Event organizers include Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIU and the SIU Foundation. Anyone in the Southern Illinois region who has a concept to create or expand a small, for-profit business focused on innovative ideas, products or services can participate.
“The Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions is your opportunity to bring that vision to life,” said Michael Jessup, director of the Illinois SBDC at SIU.
Apply now
Applications for the 2025 competition are due Sept. 29. Sign up online now. All participants must attend three educational workshops in October, providing crucial information about business plans, financials and pitching your business. Workshop sites include Carbondale, Harrisburg, Marion, Mount Vernon and Robinson.
The first competition round is set for Nov. 12-14, and a panel of judges will evaluate all entries on the business plan content, business viability and a 90-second pitch. Two winners from each location competition location will advance to the regional competition at Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale.
Participants welcome
The competition typically draws a wide variety of business concepts, as different and unique as the participants. Contestants must be located in one or more of these Illinois counties: Alexander, Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White or Williamson. The 2024 winners included Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, E-Ventures and New Earth Composting. Taking top honors in the local competition were also Inspector Pro, Pharoah Boxing and Wellness, Your Mom Away from Home, Essential Integrative Health and Wellness, and Willow Farms.
There are just a few restrictions. The contest is not open to businesses involving cannabis, gambling or lobbying activities. In addition, public governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, public and private schools, and higher education institutions aren’t eligible.
December event will feature prize announcement
The regional competition winners will be announced during the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase, set for 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at SIU, and they will receive financing and professional services to advance their business goals. First-place winners in the location competitions will receive $1,000 while second-place winners claim $500. The top prize of the regional competition is $5,000, 10 hours of marketing consulting with the Arthur Agency worth $2,000, a one-hour strategy session and five hours of legal work from Legal Advocacy Headquarters valued at $1,000 and a professionally produced promotional video less than two minutes from Brand Advocacy worth $3,500. The second-place winner will receive $3,000 and a one-hour strategy session with three hours of legal work from Legal Advocacy Headquarters, worth $700. The third-place prize is $2,000 along with a one-hour strategy session and one hour of legal work from Legal Advocacy Headquarters worth $300.
To learn more about the Southern Illinois 2025 Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions, visit the website or contact the Illinois SBDC at SIU by email at sbdc@siu.edu or by calling 618-536-2424.
Event sponsors include Regions Bank, the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, the SIU Foundation, the Illinois SBDC at SIU, the Illinois SBDC at Southeastern Illinois College, the Illinois SBDC at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Arthur Agency, SI Now, Legal Advocacy Headquarter, Brand Advocacy Group, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, Gina Mills Country Financial, First Southern Bank, Legence Bank, EThOs at the Citadel, the Jefferson County Development Corporation and SomerCor.
SIU’s Illinois SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIU.
