Small Business Development Center to be in Randolph County April 5

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The Randolph County Department of Economic Development (DED) will host the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on Thursday, April 5 at the courthouse DED office. The DED is partnering with the SBDC of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) to help expand existing businesses and start new businesses in Randolph County.

Randolph County citizens who are thinking of starting a new business or expanding an existing business may make an appointment for the morning of April 5. Greg Bouhl, assistant director of the Small Business Development Center will be on hand to help with startup advice, marketing recommendations, export assistance and with tips on how to gain access to capital.

"We encourage anyone who has been thinking of starting a small business to call," said Chris Martin, coordinator for Randolph County economic development. "We can help make that dream come true. We have helped start one new business with our gap-financing fund. We are happy to report the business is now operating successfully in year two and we are looking forward to helping others get started."

The DED and SBDC have also scheduled their next class on how to start your own business. The two-hour session provides information on writing a business plan, finance, marketing and many other aspects of small business startup and expansion. The class will be held in the commissioners' boardroom of the Randolph County Courthouse on Friday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. There is no charge for the class or for counseling sessions. For more information on services available, to sign up for an appointment on April 5 or confirm attending the class on May 4th, contact the Southern Illinois University Carbondale SBDC at 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu