The Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University

With National Small Business Week and the 40th Anniversary of the Illinois SBDC Network, it has been an exciting couple of weeks. Check out Sunday's copy of the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier to read more about our local center, hosted by EIU's Lumpkin College! Thanks to Rob Stroud for the shout out and Melissa M. Harden for the great photo! (Center Director: Amy Patrick)

?? SCAM ALERT for Illinois Businesses! ?? This #SBDCDay, we’re teaming up with our Illinois APEX Accelerator to help small business owners protect their businesses from cyber threats—and that includes SCAMS! Recently, two local businesses reached out to our advisor, CJ Moore, after receiving suspicious letters. After careful research, CJ confirmed they were SCAMS that could have cost these businesses hundreds of dollars and compromised their private information. ? Know the Facts Several scam organizations are sending official-looking letters demanding payment for things like: ?? Annual Statements ?? Certificates of Status ?? Labor Law Posters These are NOT legally required forms in Illinois. ?? SCAM Companies to Watch For: ?? CORPORATE MEETING MINUTES – asking for $148.67 ?? IL CERTIFICATE SERVICE – asking for $87 ?? ILLINOIS COUNCIL FOR CORPORATIONS – asking for $150 ?? LLCS (Labor Law Posters) – asking for $94 ?? If you receive one of these solicitations, don’t respond! ? For legitimate filings, certificates, and free downloads of Labor Law Posters, always check the Illinois Secretary of State website: https://lnkd.in/gSeS5QBz At the Illinois SBDC at EIU, we’re here to help you stay safe and informed. If you ever have questions, contact us! ?? It’s not too late to join today’s CyberSecurity informational event! Virtual attendance is available. See our event page for more details and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gQ3XCUhg #cybersecurity #IllinoisSBDC #SBDCDay

We are pleased to share that Governor Pritzker has proclaimed support for our?9th Annual SBDC Day?on?March 19, 2025! This recognition highlights the incredible impact our network has on small businesses and entrepreneurs across Illinois. View the proclamation attached and show your support by shopping with a local small business today! #SBDCDay?and?#IllinoisSBDC

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn first hand from a prolific serial entrepreneur. Hosted at Eastern Illinois University in partnership with Lumpkin College and many other departments and student organizations. Thursday March 6th 5pm appetizers and networking 5:30 interview with Marc Lore https://lnkd.in/dQBJCn8B

Happy 4th of July from the Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University! Here's to our Entrepreneurs who fully embrace and embody what it means to live the American Dream. Happy Independence Day, everyone! Illinois SBDC Network hosted by Lumpkin College at Eastern Illinois University

** Exciting News for our Effingham, IL focus area! ** Welcome, Clifton "CJ" Moore, to the Illinois SBDC Network! Clifton Moore We're excited to welcome Clifton "CJ" Moore as our new Business Advisor. With over a decade of experience in leadership, financial literacy education, and operational management, CJ brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for empowering small business owners. Anticipating a full transition by October, he will be based out of our Effingham satellite office by appointment. CJ will complete his initial onboarding and certification trainings at our Mattoon branch. To contact us or set an appointment at either branch, email sbdc@eiu.edu or call 217.258.SBDC (7232). CJ's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and creating supportive environments aligns perfectly with our mission, making him a fantastic addition to our team. Join us in welcoming him to the SBDC family! Special thanks to Effingham Regional Growth Alliance and Midland States Bank - Effingham's Midland Lofts for your support in getting CJ launched! Illinois SBDC Network hosted by Lumpkin College at Eastern Illinois University #SBDC #SmallBusiness #IllinoisSBDCNetwork

?? Join us for the 2024 Lender Forum in Effingham, Illinois! ?? Attention Commercial and Small Business Lenders! Don't miss out on this year's dynamic Lender Forum where opportunities await. Whether you're already partnering with the SBA, IL DCEO, SBA/SCORE, or other economic development partners, or if you're curious about the benefits of affiliation, this event is tailored just for you. Discover invaluable resources, network with industry peers, and uncover new avenues for collaboration. Together, we'll explore how financial institutions can maximize their impact and support small businesses in our community. Save the date and secure your spot today. Let's pave the way for economic growth and success together! Registration is preferred https://lnkd.in/gZFdSfye

07.01.24 Position Filled _________________________ Apply Now! (Share with Your Friends) https://lnkd.in/g7VwrfDR Description The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Eastern Illinois University, is excited to announce a new opportunity for a dedicated and experienced full-time Small Business Advisor for the launch of our Effingham, IL satellite office.??This grant-supported program, partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) & the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to provide invaluable no-cost assistance to a highly diversified community of entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout our 8-county region. Position Summary: Small Business Advisor We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about fostering the growth of small businesses in various industries. This role, based in our independent satellite office within a shared workspace will provide expert guidance to clients across our full region which includes (but not limited to) the counties of Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, Effingham, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby. Applications:?Applicants should submit the following: 1) a letter of application indicating how the candidate's background and credentials meet the position's responsibilities and qualifications; 2) a resume; 3) list of names, addresses, phone number, and email for three (3) professional references; and 4) a copy of final transcripts for all degrees completed. Official transcripts for the highest degree must be submitted upon hire. Applications can be submitted using Interfolio at https://lnkd.in/g7VwrfDR.?Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. David Melton, Search Committee Chair, at dwmelton@eiu.edu. Closing?Date:?Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until campus interviews are scheduled. Priority will be given to applications received by March 31, 2024.

Eligible entities can now apply for grant funding to engage in research and development projects with universities through the Innovation Voucher program. Learn more and apply today: https://bit.ly/3Iys7C4