Mattoon Welcomes New Small Business Development Center from Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University’s Lumpkin College of Business & Technology has taken a significant step forward with the official launch of its Illinois Small Business Development Center. The center, led by Mattoon native Amy Patrick, has set up its central office at the Elevate Innovation Center, LLC in Mattoon, with plans to open another office in Effingham this summer.

Covering eight counties in total, including Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie, and Shelby, Eastern’s SBDC aims to provide professional business advising, training, and access to state and federal resources to small businesses in the region.

The partnership between Eastern and Elevate, established in 2023, was made possible through grant support from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Small Business Development Lead Center. Amy Patrick expressed her enthusiasm for the center’s potential impact, stating, “The center is ready to roll up its sleeves and get to work.”

In celebration of National Small Business Week, Eastern’s SBDC hosted a regional Chamber of Commerce After Hours networking event and plans to hold a Commercial Lenders Forum in Effingham in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. With a focus on supporting both new and existing small businesses, the SBDC offers a range of services, including consulting, workshops, networking opportunities, and financial analysis.

Amy Patrick’s dedication to the SBDC’s mission is evident in her involvement with local entrepreneurship programs and her commitment to seeing the region thrive. Small business leaders and entrepreneurs are encouraged to reach out to the Illinois SBDC at EIU for support and guidance in their business endeavors.