Small Business Development Center in Randolph County July 19

</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, July 19. Appointments begin at 9:00 a.m. There is never a charge for counseling sessions.

"One of the ways we help develop the Randolph County community is to help entrepreneurs start and expand small businesses," said Chris Martin, economic development coordinator for Randolph County. "Our partnership with the SBDC has been a highly productive one and we appreciate their expertise in helping with feasibility advice, business plans, sales projections and helping to find startup capital."

The DED is also sponsoring a gap-financing program to help raise the funds necessary to start a business and that will be explained during the appointment. "We have more options than ever for access to capital," said Martin. "In addition to our own fund, we have the Small Business Administration, USDA Rural Development and several other possibilities for financing." A complete list of funding options can be found at the Randolph County Economic Development website on the Business Assistance page. www.edrandolphcounty.com.

For more information on services available or to sign up for an appointment on July 19, contact the SBDC at Southern Illinois University. 618-536-2424. Email sbdc@siu.edu