The Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) help businesses in every stage. From concept to startup, growth to renewal, mature to succession. Business specialists are here to help you succeed at every stage in your business’ lifecycle.

The University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program assists businesses throughout the state. The programs below are what make the Missouri Business Development Program and provide assistance to most industries. This program is comprised of the Missouri Small Business Development Center, Missouri APEX Accelerators, and the Mid-American Trade Adjustment Assistance Center.

Business success in paradise!-Lead one (1) of 63 Nationally Accredited and Federally/Locally funded programs-Drive economic growth through small business support and resources-Leadership-Economic Development-Community Development-Business Development-Public/Private sector partnership facilitation

Established 30 years ago, the Office of Economic and Regional Development (OERD) serves as the university’s primary business and community development outreach arm. OERD has a history of success in enhancing growth and building prosperity throughout southern Illinois. SIU has been supporting the region’s entrepreneurs in job creation, enterprise development and expansion, and strengthening the rural southern Illinois economy since 1985 with the establishment of the Small Business Development Center. Staff expertise in business start-up and expansion, conventional financing, business consulting, and entrepreneurship training have made this program one of the most successful in Illinois.

In two short years as Managing Director of JCMTD, we were able to increase service hours 11%, increase accessibility (service miles) 21%, but most importantly, increase ridership 58% and revenue 27%! Not only did we experience tremendous growth, we rebuilt trust from our community, supported several other local organizations like the Carbondale Boys & Girls Club, I Can Read Program, Tri-County Special Education, START Program, and created an environment of Safety, Respect, and Accountability.

I tought various business courses such as Organizational Behavior and Business Management to students attending McKendree University through their satellite location at John A Logan College and online.

The SBDC is based at Southern Illinois University and operates under the Office of Economic and Regional Development (OERD). I met with current and aspiring Business Owners and assisted them with business plans, loan package preparation, marketing and other business needs. During my time with the SBDC, I assisted in the successful funding for over 15 businesses in the amount of approximately $1.3+ million dollars. Some of the services we provide for small businesses include creating business plans, marketing campaigns, financial analysis and projections, and business development. My success is measured by helping business owners achieve their dreams.

During my time at MidCountry Bank, I generated 15% market growth in home mortgages, home equity lines of credit, home equity installment loans, personal loans, and auto loans in Southern Illinois. I was also the recipient of the company's top service award, the FRED award. Business Development, Personal Loans/Lines, Commercial Banking/Loans/Lines/Merchant Services, Investments, Home MortgageCommunity Investment

Exceeded branch loan goals in our first full quarter earning Top Loan Producer recognition.

Helping families with their dreams closing over 20 new home mortgage loans worth more than $1.1 million dollars in just 10 short months.