The Economic Development Department of the City of Carbondale helps to build strong relationships with the business community, coordinates new business recruitment, and provides retention and expansion assistance to existing enterprises, in addition to many other responsibilities.

The SBDC at Southern Illinois University provides small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and support necessary to start, manage and grow successful and sustainable businesses.

The BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center at SIU (PTAC) at Southern Illinois University helps local small businesses to enter and succeed in the world of government contracting.