Small Business Development Center to be at Randolph County Courthouse February 7

</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 Tuesday, February 7 at the courthouse DED office. Appointments begin at 9:00. 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.

"It is a new year and a great time to consider starting a new business," said Chris Martin, coordinator of economic development for Randolph County. "Greg Bouhl of the SBDC will be here and can help with writing a business plan, making sure the numbers work, marketing the business, access to capital, sustainability and looking for export markets."

Martin says access to startup capital is a major impediment for new businesses. The DED is sponsoring a gap-financing program to help raise the funds necessary to start a business and that will be explained during the appointment. The DED also connects with the resources of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and other sources of financing. According to Martin, there has never been a better time to start or expand a business.

There is never a charge for counseling sessions. For more information on services available or to sign up for an appointment on February 7, contact the SBDC at 618-536-2424. Email sbdc@siu.edu