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Eastern Illinois University

Small Business Development Center

Accessing No-Cost Business Advising

What is the Illinois SBDC at EIU?
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Eastern Illinois University provides no-cost, confidential business advising to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, or scale operations. We are hosted by EIU’s Lumpkin College of Business and Technology and proudly serve an eight-county region across East Central Illinois.
Who can access advising services?

Our services are available to aspiring entrepreneurs, existing small business owners, and startups located in Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties. You do not need to be affiliated with EIU to qualify.

What types of advising are offered?

We offer guidance in areas such as:

  • Business planning and strategy
  • Financial forecasting and access to capital
  • Marketing and branding
  • Market research and feasibility analysis
  • Diversity and inclusion strategies
  • Business certifications and procurement
  • Growth and succession planning
How much does it cost?
All advising services are provided at no cost to clients, thanks to grant funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and support from EIU and Elevate CCIC.
How do I register as a new client?
Click the "Register as a New Client" button on the home page.

 

Proudly Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Eastern Illinois University

Located in Elevate CCIC, Inc.
Cross Country Mall
700 Broadway Ave E Space #8
Mattoon IL, 61938
(217) 258-7233
sbdc@eiu.edu

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Eastern Illinois University is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited.

Last Modified 5/8/25