SIU Entrepreneur Training Program Could Put Some Du Quoin Jobless Within Striking Distance of a Dream

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ A unique entrepreneurship opportunity is available to the unemployed and underemployed in 16 Southern Illinois counties.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Delta Regional Authority are offering a new business training program to unemployed or underemployed low-income and moderate-income residents residing in the 16 Illinois Delta counties, including Perry County.

"Operation Bootstrap: Seeding Southern Illinois Start-ups," is an intensive six-week program open to those living in Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Pope, Johnson, Hardin, Union, Jackson, Williamson, Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Gallatin and Saline counties. It's a chance for them to start their own business or formalize a business they already have.

"Simply put, this program will train people to run businesses and can put money in their hands to help them do just that," said Du Quoin native and 1984 DHS graduate Robyn Laur Russell, director of business development and international trade at SIUC. Robyn went on to obtain degrees from John A. Logan and SIU. Trainees will compete for 15 $3,500 cash grants, she said. It is the first time that SIU has co-sponsored such a program. All told, the Illinois Delta program is funding the project to the tune of $200,000. Laur said she wants her hometown of Du Quoin to succeed and take advantage of this program.

"We are excited because, to our knowledge, this is the only program in Southern Illinois that allows us to give seed grant funding directly to individuals to start their own businesses."

Anyone on the bubble about starting their own business should attend an orientation at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Du Quoin City Hall.

Sponsored through the SIUC Office of Economic and Regional Development's Entrepreneurship and Business Development Unit, the program is open to entrepreneurs of all types -- from those wanting to start a small business on Main Street to those planning a high-growth, global company. Those who successfully complete the Operation Bootstrap program and develop an individual business plan are eligible to compete for a $3,500 start-up funding award. The award will go to 15 people to help them launch their businesses and create new jobs in Southern Illinois.

The first round of classes for this program is under way. However, a second round continues into March at a variety of locations throughout the region. The orientation sessions give interested individuals information about the program and answer any questions they may have. You can also apply to participate in the program and secure a spot in the upcoming round of in-depth training that starts April 14 at the Man-Tra-Con building in Du Quoin.

For more information or to make reservations to attend one of the free orientation sessions, call 618/453-2070.