Lender Forums | Invest in Illinois
We’ll be at the SBDC Lender Forums in Summer 2026
SBA’s Illinois District Office and Illinois SBDC Network are holding a series of free Forums to update commercial lenders on agency programs and services. Topics will include SOP changes, updated Lender Match info, and upcoming SBA initiatives and training opportunities. Event presenters will include SBA staff, 504 corporations, SBDC representatives, Illinois Advantage representatives, State Treasurer’s Office, and microlenders.
To register or ask questions, contact Charlie White at cwhite@firstwomens.bank.
Lender Forums
| Date | City | Venue | Address | Host Organization | Contact Person | Phone | Website | |
| June 4 | Carbondale | Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center | 1740 Innovation Drive, Rooms 150-151, Carbondale, IL 62903 | Illinois SBDC at SIU Carbondale, Office of Innovation and Economic Development | Michael Jessup, Director | 618-536-2424 | Michael.Jessup@SIU.edu | Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU |
| June 23 | Peoria | Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center | 1500 W Main St, Room BECC 1122, Peoria, IL 61606 | Women’s Business Development Center | Gayle Ballard | 312-853-3477 | gballard@wbdc.org | Women's Business Development Center |
| July 14 | Olney | Olney Central College | 305 North West Street, Olney, IL 62450 | Illinois SBDC at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges | Michelle Brooks, Director | 618-562-3744 | Brooksm1@iecc.edu | The Illinois SBDC at IECC |
Expand Access to Affordable Financing in Illinois
Partner with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office through Illinois Ag Invest, Illinois Business Invest, and Illinois Community Invest to connect farmers, businesses, and communities with lower-cost financing opportunities.
Call 217-558-6217 to speak with the Invest in Illinois team or send us an email.