SIU Innovation and Economic Development

08/11/2026

Great opportunity for anyone in the region with an idea for creating positive change! If you’ve been thinking about starting a nonprofit but aren’t sure where to begin, this workshop is a great place to start.

Check out the original post below for details and registration information. We hope to see some of our local changemakers there!

🌱 Have an idea that could make a difference in your community?

Learn how to turn that idea into action at Starting Your Nonprofit in Illinois, a FREE workshop hosted by the City of Carbondale and SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development.

📅 Tuesday, Aug. 18
⏰ 9–11 AM
📍 Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.

Participants will leave with an 11-point roadmap for turning their vision into a recognized charitable organization.

✅ Free to attend | Registration required

https://www.explorecarbondale.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/3525

To learn more or register, contact Sharonda Cawthon at 618-457-3228 or [email protected].

06/23/2026

Unlocking AI: Empowering Tools to Grow Your Business

Registration is required: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/E0LF9wyFAv

Tuesday, June 30, 5:00- 6:30pm
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
1740 Innovation Drive
Carbondale, IL

This workshop introduces small business owners and entrepreneurs to practical, easy-to-use artificial intelligence tools that can improve marketing, streamline operations, and support business growth.

Through real-world examples, hands-on activities, and guided instruction, participants will learn how to communicate effectively with AI, use it responsibly, and identify opportunities to increase productivity and efficiency.

No technical background is required.

Sponsored By: SIU Broadband Ready and the Illinois Broadband Lab

05/05/2026

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development is pleased to partner with the City of Carbondale to offer a no-cost funding strategy workshop for nonprofits on May 19.

This session will focus on practical approaches to begin building sustainable funding strategies and positioning organizations for long-term impact.

See the full press release below for details and RSVP information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  CARBONDALE - The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development and the City of Carbondale are hosting a no-cost workshop for nonprofits related to funding strategies.

03/06/2026

Exciting news! The Illinois International Trade Center (ITC) at SIU is a new resource within the suite of programs offered by the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) to support businesses across Southern Illinois.

We’re excited to announce a new resource for Southern Illinois businesses, the Illinois International Trade Center (ITC) at SIU!

The ITC offers information, counseling and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities.

Services include:
-Evaluating your company’s readiness to export
-Access to foreign market information
-Assistance with export documentation
-Automated trade leads
-Connections with trade representatives

The program is part of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development and is funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and Southern Illinois University (SIU).

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 618-453-6692

03/03/2026

📣 We’re Hiring!

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development is seeking a Program Director for the Illinois International Trade Center.

If you’re passionate about supporting businesses, expanding global trade opportunities, and strengthening economic development in Southern Illinois, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/siu/jobs/newprint/5230361

Share with anyone who may be a great fit!

02/26/2026

New application window now open.

During the spring of 2025, 46 participants completed the 80-hour training to serve as production assistants in Southern Illinois and throughout the State of Illinois to strengthen the regional film and TV industry.

Don’t miss your chance to jumpstart your career in the film industry! Apply today.

-Stipend available upon completion of the program.

-Applicants are not guaranteed acceptance into the program.

During the spring of 2025, 46 participants completed the 80-hour training to serve as production assistants in Southern Illinois and throughout the State of Illinois to strengthen the regional film and TV industry.

12/03/2025

Join us in celebrating some of the region's newest and best innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs.

Thursday, December 4, 2025
4:30 p.m. Appetizers and cocktails served by Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine
5:00 p.m. Program and awards
- Patents awarded
- Launch That Business Graduates
- Carbondale Accelerator Program graduates
- 2025 Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions winners

5:30 p.m. Social and networking hour
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
1740 Innovation Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62903

11/13/2025

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) is hiring for positions supporting clean energy contractors through its business incubator programs. These roles will help local contractors grow their small businesses, access resources, and succeed in the clean energy sector.

Especially interested in those with construction and or clean energy experience. Positions available include a Program Director, Program Coordinators, and Program Assistants.

Learn more and apply here:
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/siu?keywords=CEJA

OIED is SIU’s primary outreach arm to the region, offering business development, workforce innovation, economic development, and community engagement services and activities throughout Southern Illinois.

08/15/2025

From ice cream to innovation!
We were honored to welcome Saluki Alumn, Curt Jones, founder of Dippin’ Dots and 40 Below, to NextUp at Dunn-Richmond. Curt shared his inspiring journey from a small-town idea to building a globally recognized brand, reminding us that believing in your idea, trusting your gut, and persistence can change everything.

08/13/2025

Big news for Southern Illinois food entrepreneurs! Funded by a nearly $1.6M grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, SIU is launching the SouthernTECH High-Tech Food Incubator. The facility will be a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient kitchen of the future. It is being designed to help small food businesses grow, meet industry standards, and reach new markets. Great things are happening at SIU.

The region’s entrepreneurs will soon have a new, state-of-the-art high-tech food processing and manufacturing incubator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale designed to help them expand and flourish – the only one of its kind within several hundred miles.