Small Business Development Center
Who We Are
The Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center (WISBDC) at Southeastern Illinois College is a part of the Illinois Small Business Development Center Network which serves as a dynamic, integrated, small business assistance delivery system. The Network's mission is to provide professional guidance for business growth. Our vision is to be the trusted network for business creation and growth across Illinois. The WISBDC has been developed through a partnership involving the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the college as a service to Illinois small businesses in Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Saline and White counties and portions of Hamilton, Johnson and Williamson counties.
Our Team
At the WISBDC at SIC, our staff includes experienced business counselors and other support staff specialized in helping your business grow. Our personnel are courteous, professional and our goal is to empower and equip small businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today's changing business environment.
Lori Cox, Director
Lori Cox has been with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Illinois College since 2001. She began as the Training and Events Coordinator for the Center and moved to the position of director in 2005. Lori is responsible for overseeing and directing the SBDC grant, including one-on-one consulting to regional business owners. Prior to joining the SBDC, Lori worked in retail and she and her husband owned their own restaurant. In addition to having a bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Illinois University, she is a graduate of both Delta Leadership Academy and Chair Academy.
Briley Lenkaitis, Business Development Specialist
Briley has been with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Illinois College since November of 2024. Briley is responsible for carrying out the duties of the SBDC grant. Some include advising clients, planning training events, interacting with advisory council and more. She obtained her Masters in Agricultural Economics and has business experience from purchasing and running her own business. Before her career with the SBDC, she was once a client of the Small Business Development Center throughout her business purchase.
Our Services
The WISBDC at SIC offers a wide array of business support services including counseling, workshops, computer classes and customized training. Specific areas of counseling and training include:
- Business Plan Development and Financial Projections
- Strategic Planning, Leadership Coaching and Organizational Streamlining
- Financial Analysis - Including cash flow, AR/AP, profit & loss, etc.
- Sales and marketing - increasing market penetration, developing a sales and marketing strategy, market analysis, increasing web presence, staff training and corporate branding
- Regulatory Compliance Help - Understanding regulations and agencies involved like the IRS, State of Illinois, county government, city government, health departments, EPA, OSHA and more.
- CPR & Workforce Training
- Business Start-up Training Intensives
- Entrepreneurship
- WBE/MBE/Veteran Business Support
Eligibility
Any owner or manager of a small business or anyone thinking of starting a business in Illinois may be a client.
Cost
All advising and business support services at the WISBDC are offered at no charge to our clients. Some classes, workshops, and copied materials may have a minimal charge.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Our Partners
The following partners play an integral role in the Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center.
Contact Information
Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center
Southeastern Illinois College- Main Campus
Suite G126, Building G
Phone: (618) 252-5001
E-mail: wsbdc@sic.edu
Hours
Fall/Spring: Monday - Friday 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Summer: Monday - Thursday 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.
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