Student entrepreneurs to showcase businesses at EIU Small Business Fest October 10
Sep-21-2026
(Charleston, IL) – More than 60 small businesses will come together Saturday, October 10 for Small Business Fest, an event highlighting entrepreneurship among Eastern Illinois University students and members of the central Illinois community.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside Booth Library on EIU’s Charleston, Illinois-based campus EIU campus. The festival will feature a variety of vendors, including food, handmade goods, services and other small-business offerings. A number of the participating businesses are operated by EIU students who are balancing their entrepreneurial pursuits with full academic schedules. The event will provide those student entrepreneurs with an opportunity to introduce their businesses to the University community and the public while connecting with other local business owners.
Small Business Fest is open to the public and will offer attendees an opportunity to shop with local entrepreneurs, sample products and services, and learn more about the businesses participating in the event. The event reflects EIU's broader commitment to supporting student engagement, creativity and opportunities that connect students with the surrounding community. For more information about Small Business Fest, visit EIU's event calendar at eiu.edu/calendar.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
