07/12/2026
Finding Financing for Your Small Business — Free Workshop for Entrepreneurs
A free workshop is being offered in Jackson County, IL, called “Finding Financing for Your Small Business Using Traditional and Alternative Funding Methods,” on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the SIU Research Park, Dunn-Richmond Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62903.
Attendees will receive a free lunch and are invited to stay after the presentation to network with the lenders and get advice about their business projects and possible funding solutions.
This session is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and current small business owners seeking guidance on funding options specific to Jackson County. Regional community lenders, bankers, and creative financing experts will present practical guidance on:
● Traditional and alternative financing options
● Preparing for business loans and funding opportunities
● Credit, collateral, and lender expectations
● Local and community funding programs
● Strengthening business plans and financial projections
“Access to capital to get a new business started, or an existing business expanded, is one of the biggest barriers for our small business owners,” said Steven Mitchell, Champion Community Board Member (Jackson County) and Economic Development Director for the City of Carbondale. “This workshop will provide new or aspiring entrepreneurs the information they will need to overcome this barrier.”
Champion Community Investments (CCI) is hosting the workshop. Champion Community Investments (CCI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation founded in 2002 and originally known as Southern Illinois Coal Belt Champion Community, Inc. CCI is dedicated to regional economic and community development by providing essential capital to start-up and existing small businesses in underserved communities.
CCI offers direct-to-borrower loans and can partner with commercial banks on participation loan projects, providing gap or bridge financing. We even help those who might not qualify for traditional “credit elsewhere.”
CCI covers these service area in Illinois: CCI proudly serves the 12-county footprint of Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Pope, Randolph, Saline, White, and Williamson.
This workshop will be sponsored by the Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED), which serves as the University’s primary business development and community engagement outreach arm. OIED offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services designed to support entrepreneurs, innovators, organizations, and communities throughout Southern Illinois with a focus on the 17 southern counties. SIU has been supporting the region’s entrepreneurs since 1985 with the establishment of the award-winning Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU. Staff expertise in business start-up and expansion, conventional financing, business consulting, entrepreneurship training, and workforce development has made this program one of the most comprehensive and successful service providers in Illinois.
Lunch will be provided. Space is limited; registration is required by emailing [email protected] by Monday, July 13, 2026.
Contact Robyn Russell, CCI Executive Director, for media/information at Email: [email protected] or phone 618-559-6194. Media is invited to attend.
