SIU Business Incubator Program.
SIU's Dunn-Richmond business incubator supports startup and business expansion in Southern Illinois.
Overview
What it does.
The incubator is based in Carbondale and is intended to accelerate Southern Illinois businesses. Its official pages describe membership, workspace, advising, and startup support, but Chester companies must confirm admission fit, current space availability, and costs.
Best for: Startups needing an incubator environment, specialized space, or close connections to SIU business programs.
Eligibility
Who and what may qualify.
Eligible applicants
- Startups and expanding businesses connected to Southern Illinois
Eligible uses
- Business incubation
- Workspace and facility access
- Connections to SIU economic-development programs
- Startup and expansion support
Uses excluded by the source
- Guaranteed investment or grant funding
Application
How to start.
- Contact the incubator to discuss membership, admission fit, and current space availability.
- Describe the venture, space needs, development stage, and Southern Illinois impact.
Timing: The official pages do not publish an application deadline or intake schedule; contact the program for current information.
Planning notes
Limits to account for.
- The facility is in Carbondale, not Chester.
- Current membership and space availability are not published.
- Chester eligibility, admission fit, and costs must be confirmed.
Incubator tenants may also use SIU SBDC, APEX, trade, and empowerment-center services.
Evidence
Official sources.
- Dunn-Richmond Economic Development CenterSouthern Illinois University Research Park · accessed 2026-07-10