Monroe County, IL Economic Development Corporation

07/28/2026

Did you know that SBDC has a Podcast Studio?

It is a place that you can use to record high-quality content for your brand or business! It is open to both students and entrepreneurs. Book your session today and bring your best ideas to life!

Find more information here: https://www.siue.edu/business/sbdc/about/podcasting-studio.shtml

07/23/2026

SBA Announces $9 Million in Grant Funding for the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363089

Funding will help small firms scale production and support strategic priorities

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is seeking proposals for a new funding competition as part of the Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program, which will award 20 grants of up to $500,000 each over a two‑year period of performance. The program, which will provide a total of $9 million in funding, is designed to help small businesses address supply chain constraints, increase production, and expand participation in strategically important supply chains.

“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless commitment to building in America, this Administration is driving the most aggressive reindustrialization effort our nation has ever seen,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “The Trump SBA is dedicated to strengthening our manufacturing base by supporting the capital and resources required to return to Made in America. The SBA’s SCALE Program offers targeted support to rebuild critical supply chains across our industrial base by empowering high‑potential domestic suppliers to meet new demand, reshore production, and put American workers and producers back in charge of the industries that keep our nation strong - from agriculture and energy to defense.”

Eligible applicants include public or private entities, nonprofit organizations, and institutions capable of delivering accelerator programming, technical assistance, industry engagement, or related services that support small businesses in the identified priority supply chains. Applicants must focus on one of the following SCALE industry supply chain priorities:

Advanced Manufacturing
Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Supply Chains
Defense Industrial Base Technologies and Components
Energy, Critical Materials, and Industrial Inputs
Food Supply and Agricultural Systems
Transportation, Logistics, and Industrial Infrastructure

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the SBA has emphasized investment in manufacturing and critical supply chains as part of the broader America First agenda to restore U.S. industrial dominance. By pairing new grant programs like SCALE with expanded access to working capital, reforms to long‑term investment vehicles, and technical assistance for onshoring, the agency is building a comprehensive toolkit to help small businesses reshore the production, logistics, and industrial infrastructure that underpin America’s economic and national security.

The SBA has committed to rebuilding American supply chains and domestic manufacturing through a series of targeted initiatives. This year, the agency waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes, established the first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers, and modernized the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program so more private capital flows into critical, supply‑chain‑sensitive industries. The agency also announced a new 90% Made in America Loan Guarantee for small manufacturers and continues to promote existing programs such as the asset-based 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program.

Applicants must submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov. The deadline for proposal submissions is Aug. 7 by 4:00 p.m. ET. General questions about these grant opportunities should be directed to [email protected].

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07/20/2026

For years, Harrisonville Telephone Company has been much more than a telecommunications provider. They have been a true partner in strengthening our communities and supporting economic growth throughout our region.

Whether it's investing in reliable infrastructure, embracing new technology, supporting local organizations, or helping businesses stay connected, Harrisonville Telephone Company continues to demonstrate what it means to be community focused.

At MCILEDC, we are grateful for partners like Harrisonville Telephone Company who understand that strong communities are built through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the people and businesses we serve.

Thank you for your continued investment in our region and for helping create opportunities that benefit residents, employers, entrepreneurs, and future generations. We appreciate all you do!

The 2026 Monroe County Fair is July 19 - 26! Don't miss HTC Customer Appreciation Night on July 23, featuring free admission, food and drink coupons, and more.

07/20/2026

These opportunities are also available occasionally throughout the year in the immediate Monroe County / Randolph County region! Please reach out if you are unable to travel to Carbondale but are interested in participating!

Interested in starting your own business but have questions? Join us for the 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 workshop.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟑, 𝟏:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦-𝟑:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐧-𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale.
https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/41522

Advisors from the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU will discuss the basics of getting started including:

- Writing a business plan
- Legal structures
- Securing a business name
- Licenses & permits
- Financing
and much more!

Register today to secure your space!

Not able to attend in person? Watch Starting Your Business in Illinois on demand at https://siu-sbdc.thinkific.com/courses/starting-your-business-in-illinois

07/20/2026

Thinking about applying for an Illinois DCEO grant? Start preparing now.

One of the biggest misconceptions about grant funding is that you can simply complete an application when the opportunity opens. In reality, many Illinois DCEO grants require organizations and businesses to complete mandatory pre-qualification steps BEFORE they can even be considered for funding. These often include obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), registering with SAM.gov, completing GATA pre-qualification, and ensuring your organization is in good standing with the State of Illinois.

Waiting until the grant announcement is released can leave you racing against the clock, or worse, missing the deadline altogether.

At MCILEDC, we're here to help businesses, nonprofits, and local governments understand the process and prepare in advance so they're grant ready when opportunities become available.

If you're considering pursuing DCEO funding, reach out early. Preparation today can make the difference between submitting a competitive application and missing the opportunity.

https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/learning-library.html

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity presents the Grant Basics Learning Library to introduce new and potential grantees to the content, functions, and processes of grant programs. We encourage you to navigate this page at your

07/16/2026

There’s Nothing Quite Like Fair Week in Monroe County! 🎡

Every summer, something special happens in our community.

For one incredible week, neighbors become volunteers, local businesses become sponsors, food vendors serve up family favorites, exhibitors proudly display months of hard work, carnival workers bring excitement, entertainers take the stage, and countless volunteers spend hundreds of hours making sure the Monroe County Fair is an unforgettable experience.

When you attend the fair, you're doing so much more than enjoying a funnel cake, cheering on the tractor pulls, riding the Ferris wheel, or watching the Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageants...

You're investing in your community.

Every ticket purchased, every meal enjoyed, every ride taken, and every local vendor you support helps strengthen Monroe County. It supports the Fair Board members who work year-round behind the scenes, our local businesses and sponsors who invest in making the fair possible, our food vendors, exhibitors, 4-H and FFA youth, entertainers, volunteers, and the many families who make this tradition thrive.

This isn't just a fair.

It's a celebration of agriculture, small businesses, hometown pride, and the people who make Monroe County such a wonderful place to live.

So this week...

🎠 Ride the rides.
🌭 Grab dinner from a local food vendor.
👑 Cheer on the Fair Queen and Little Miss contestants.
🚜 Watch the tractor pulls and demolition derby.
🐄 Visit the livestock barns.
🎶 Enjoy the music.
🍦 Treat yourself to ice cream (or two!).
❤️ And most importantly... support the people who make it all happen.

Let's show our Monroe County pride by filling the fairgrounds and supporting the businesses, organizations, volunteers, and families who work so hard to bring this amazing tradition to life each year.

We'll see you at the Monroe County Fair! 🎡🇺🇸

06/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 15, 2026

Monroe County Secures $1.636 Million in Federal Funding for Maeystown Wastewater Improvements

Maeystown, IL - The Village of Maeystown is proud to announce that the village has been awarded $1,636,000 in federal funding through Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12).

This funding is part of a broader federal package delivering nearly $9 million to infrastructure projects across Southern Illinois, focused on improving water systems, public safety, and essential services.

The Maeystown project will support critical upgrades to the Village’s wastewater treatment facility - an essential system serving residents, local businesses, and community institutions.

Addressing Critical Infrastructure Needs
Originally constructed in 1997, Maeystown’s wastewater treatment system has faced longstanding challenges due to design modifications and environmental limitations. These issues have resulted in compliance violations with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) standards and risks to local waterways and community health.
Without intervention, the Village faces the potential of system failure or regulatory shutdown.

Project Improvements
The federally funded project will modernize and rehabilitate the wastewater treatment facility through:
• Addition of primary and secondary clarification processes
• Replacement of the recirculating sand filter system
• Installation of a polishing reactor for nitrogen removal
• Upgrades to pumps, lift station, and electrical controls
• Structural repairs to the facility, including roof and control building improvements
These improvements will ensure the system operates as originally intended, restores regulatory compliance, and protects both public health and the environment.

Leadership and Partnership
“This investment is a critical step forward in addressing aging infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable wastewater treatment for Maeystown residents,” said Pam Poetker, Executive Director of MCILEDC. “We are grateful to Congressman Bost for advocating on behalf of our communities and recognizing the importance of infrastructure in supporting both quality of life and economic development.”

Congressman Mike Bost emphasized the regional impact of the funding, noting that these investments will “make our communities safer and healthier” while strengthening essential infrastructure across Southern Illinois.

Looking Ahead
With this funding, the Village of Maeystown will be able to move forward with long-needed improvements that will:
• Eliminate environmental compliance violations
• Protect local waterways, including Maeystown Creek
• Improve reliability for residents and businesses
• Support long-term community sustainability and growth

The Monroe County Economic Development Corporation remains committed to supporting infrastructure investments that position the region for continued economic success.

The Village of Maeystown would like to express appreciation to everyone who assisted with the effort of the project itself and funding for it.

Media Contact:
Greg Backes
Mayor
Village of Maeystown
[email protected]

Send a message to learn more

06/09/2026

It was a great weekend in Waterloo! Thank you to everyone who supported this small town!

What a great place Waterloo is! ❤️

This weekend was packed with fun. On Friday, there was a beautiful Clydesdale downtown. Saturday brought a fantastic yearly event called Beer-B-Que. Then on Sunday, we had a classic car show downtown and a tractor show at the fairgrounds.

We may be a small town, but there is always something happening here! From local events and festivals to great restaurants, shopping, and friendly faces, Waterloo has a way of making everyone feel at home.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting, this is your sign to give Waterloo a try. You might just fall in love with our little town as much as we have. ❤️

06/05/2026

This is such a great family event! Hats off to HTC for always being such a great supporter of our region!