ActiveOpenEducational Institution

Illinois Economic Empowerment Center at SIU.

SIU's Economic Empowerment Center provides no-cost advising, mentorship, and training for individuals and very small Southern Illinois businesses.

Offered byIllinois Economic Empowerment Center at SIUverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

The center focuses on people and firms with ten or fewer employees that face barriers to growth. Services include confidential advising, customized training, mentorship, workshops, and strategic-resource connections.

Best for: A solo entrepreneur or very small Chester business needing practical, tailored growth support.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Individuals and very small businesses with 10 or fewer employees in Southern Illinois

Eligible uses

  • No-cost business advising
  • GrowthWheel planning
  • Mentorship
  • Business-development training
  • Workshops

Uses excluded by the source

  • Direct grants or loans

Application

How to start.

  1. Register for advisement or request information through the official site.
  2. Meet with an adviser to identify priorities and a practical action plan.

Timing: Advising intake is ongoing.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The primary target is individuals and very small businesses with 10 or fewer employees.
  • This is technical assistance, not direct financing.

Can complement SBDC, APEX, lender, and workforce services.

Evidence

Official sources.