The Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University

03/27/2026

💡🏛️ Have a Business Idea? Let’s Bring It to Life. 🏛️💡

Vandalia entrepreneurs — your starting line is right here at City Hall.

Join America’s The Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University for a hands-on workshop designed to turn your idea into a real, working business.

📅 May 1, 2026
⏰ 1:00 – 3:00 PM
📍 Vandalia City Hall

This session is your blueprint for getting started the right way:

🔹 Startup Basics – From idea to action
🔹 Licenses & Registration – What you need to legally operate in Illinois
🔹 Business Structures – Choosing the right setup for your goals
🔹 Building for Growth – Setting yourself up for long-term success

Think of it as your business “launchpad” — with expert guidance, real answers, and practical tools you can use immediately.

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer
📧 Questions? [email protected]

📞 (217) 258-7233

⚠️ Seats are limited — RSVP required!

Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an idea, this is your opportunity to take the next step with confidence.

Let’s grow something great in Vandalia. 🌱💼

02/10/2026

Did you know the Illinois State Library offers Illinois residents FREE access to EBSCO databases? Illinois Reliable Information Sources (IRIS) includes access to thousands of magazines, journals, newspapers, e-books, and more on a variety of topics! This ensures everyone has access to reliable information online. Explore IRIS today: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/iris.html

02/07/2026

🏢✨ Keeping It Local: Planning for the Future of Your Business ✨🏢

Business owners and entrepreneurs — are you thinking about succession planning, legacy, or growth while keeping your business locally rooted? This upcoming workshop is packed with practical tools and real-world examples to help you do exactly that.

The Illinois Center for Employee Ownership (ILCEO), in collaboration with America's SBDC, is hosting an informative session focused on employee ownership and other incentives that support long-term business success.

📅 Wednesday, February 4th
⏰ Noon – 1:30 PM
📍 Cross County Mall – Elevate CCIC
700 Broadway Ave East, Mattoon, IL
(Entrance at back of mall)

This is a great opportunity for Vandalia-area business owners who are thinking ahead — whether that’s succession, expansion, or preserving a locally owned legacy.

👉 RSVP required (scroll down when the registration page opens)
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register

Let’s keep strong businesses local, thriving, and future-ready. 💪🌱

02/07/2026

Looking for GRANT opportunities?

We’re excited to share this new, free resource from the Mattoon Public Library—available to anyone on-site using the library’s Wi-Fi.

Thank you to the Mattoon Public Library for helping Mattoon and our surrounding communities grow and succeed!

We know funding can be difficult to find, but even more so, when you don't know where to look. LOOK NO FURTHER! Mattoon Public Library is now a hub for GrantStation, so patrons can search their grant database for FREE while at the library. Patrons must be on a library device or their own device connected to the library Wi-Fi to access GrantStation. Visit our website for more information: https://mattoonlibrary.org/services/grantstation/

If you have questions about this service, please email [email protected]

01/25/2026

Our local SBDC offices in both Mattoon and Effingham will be closed Monday due to weather. Stay warm, stay safe, see you Tuesday!

Dear Campus Community,

Due to weather conditions, Eastern Illinois University will be closed tomorrow.

All classes and campus operations are cancelled. Only essential employees should report to work as directed by their supervisors.

Please continue to monitor your email and university communications for any additional updates. Thank you for your flexibility and for helping keep our campus community safe.

11/28/2025

🖤 Black Friday Insights for Local Business Owners

Black Friday is here and whether your business is online, in-store, or both, today is a powerful opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.

Here are three quick reminders for local entrepreneurs:

1️⃣ Focus on connection, not just transactions.
Customers remember great service and a smooth experience more than any discount.

2️⃣ Track what’s working.
Watch which products move fastest, what questions customers ask, and when your traffic peaks. These insights will guide your December strategy.

3️⃣ Keep it simple.
A clear offer + easy checkout = more conversions. Small improvements can make a big difference.

If you want help reviewing today’s results or planning your next steps, the
Illinois Small Business Development Center at Eastern Illinois University offers no-cost, confidential advising in marketing, strategy, operations, and more.

Start here → https://www.eiu.edu/sbdc/

Wishing you a successful and energized Black Friday! 🖤🛍️

11/27/2025

Today we give thanks for the entrepreneurs, makers, and small business owners who strengthen our communities through creativity, resilience, and dedication.

From family-owned shops to emerging startups, your work fuels jobs, innovation, and local pride across East Central Illinois and we’re honored to support your journey.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Eastern Illinois University exists to help you start, grow, and scale with no-cost, confidential advising backed by trusted expertise.

As you gather with family and friends today, we hope you find rest, gratitude, and renewed inspiration for the season ahead.

🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from our entire team.
Learn more about how we can support your business:
👉 https://www.eiu.edu/sbdc/

11/26/2025

“Absolutely! I’d be happy to share a testimonial about my experience with the Illinois SBDC. Their guidance and resources were invaluable as I navigated the process of opening my brick-and-mortar location. I’m grateful for the support. There’s nothing like having a great mentor guiding you along the way. I would like to thank CJ Moore with the SBDC personally.”
— Brittany Mosley, Owner of Blessing N Every Braid LLC
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580436338519

11/25/2025

“Working with the Illinois SBDC and CJ Moore has been a game-changer for us. From day one, they gave us the tools, support, and confidence we needed to bring Whisk + Lollies to life. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”
— Carlene Richardson & Natasha Hickox,
Co-Owners of Whisk + Lollies
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573206720670

11/24/2025

“Illinois SBDC is a great resource tool for anyone starting a business. I wish I would have known about the resources when I thought about starting a business versus trying to start on my own and then connecting with them. It would have made the process easier for me if I had started with them from the beginning. :)”
— Kacie Richey, Owner of CKKC Farm LLC
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556173800166

11/24/2025

Cyber Monday isn’t just for big companies. Local businesses can benefit too.

Three quick ways to maximize the day:
• Offer a simple online special (even if it’s small)
• Highlight a bundle or bestseller
• Make buying easy — fewer clicks, clearer info

If you want help improving your online presence, the Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University can guide you through website planning, online marketing, and customer journey design — all at no cost.

Learn more → https://www.eiu.edu/sbdc/