04/13/2026
Champion Community Investments is hosting several free workshops this summer titled FINDING FINANCING FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS.
The first workshop will be on May 7, 10am-noon, in Jefferson County. A free lunch will be provided. The complete information is below in our news release. All Jefferson County lenders and small business owners seeking financing are invited to attend. The remaining four workshops will be held in Franklin, Perry, Jackson, and Williamson Counties at a later date. Media is encouraged to attend. Please help spread the word by sharing.
Thank yoU!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Headline: Finding Financing for Your Small Business — Free Workshop for Entrepreneurs
Dateline: Mount Vernon, IL — April 13, 2026
Jefferson County Development Corporation (JCDC) will host a free workshop, “Finding Financing for Your Small Business,” on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Iriti Innovation Center (Fifth Floor), 123 S. 10th Street, Mount Vernon.
This session is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and current small business owners seeking guidance on funding options specific to Jefferson County. Regional community lenders, bankers, and creative financing experts will be in attendance and will present practical guidance on:
--Traditional and alternative financing options
--Preparing for business loans and funding opportunities
--Credit, collateral and lender expectations
--Local and community funding programs
--Strengthening business plans and financial projections
“Access to the right financing can turn an idea into a thriving business,” said Tony Iriti, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Corporation. “This workshop will give local entrepreneurs the tools and connections to move forward with confidence.” The Jefferson County Development Corporation promotes the Jefferson County region as a powerful combination of strategic location, business-friendly incentives, skilled workforce, and exceptional quality of life, backed by a strong base of existing industry. Positioned at the crossroads of major interstate, rail, and air networks, the region provides unmatched access to key markets across the Midwest and beyond. Companies that choose Jefferson County gain the advantages of a supportive economic ecosystem, competitive costs, and a community invested in long-term growth and success.
Champion Community Investments (CCI) is sponsoring the workshop. CCI provides Champion Community Investments (CCI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation founded in 2002 and originally known as Southern Illinois Coal Belt Champion Community, Inc. CCI is dedicated to regional economic and community development by providing essential capital to start-up and existing small businesses in underserved communities.
To date, CCI has funded more than 200 loans totaling $13M+ to help local entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage their own businesses. Our mission is to ensure that sufficient capital is available to fuel business growth and job creation throughout our region.
Flexible Financing: We offer direct-to-borrower loans and can partner with commercial banks on participation loan projects, providing gap or bridge financing. We even help those who might not qualify for traditional “credit elsewhere.”
Service area in Illinois: CCI proudly serves the 12-county footprint of Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Pope, Randolph, Saline, White, and Williamson.
Lunch will be provided. Space is limited; registration is required by emailing [email protected] by May 1, 2026.
Contact Robyn Russell, CCI Executive Director, for media/information at Email: [email protected] or phone 618-559-6194.
