Business Resources
In today’s fast-moving economy, no business should go it alone. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or navigating challenges, the right resources and support systems can make all the difference. This page is dedicated to connecting Marion’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders with the tools, guidance, and partnerships needed to grow stronger together.
Nearly 500,000 people live in the 16 Illinois counties that lie within a 50-mile radius of Williamson County, the heaviest populated county at 66,357 residents. (The population swells to more than half a million when the Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, Missouri areas, both less than 50 miles from Williamson County, are included in the economic trade region.)
Illinois Route 13, currently a 4-lane divided highways extends east and west through Williamson County. Construction is currently underway to expand Illinois Route 13 to 6-lanes from Marion to Carbondale, IL. For additional demographic information about Marion, IL click here . For additional information about the City of Marion, click here . For additional information about industrial development in Williamson County and contact information for the Regional Economic Development Corporation, click here.
Disaster Preparedness
The US Chamber Foundation deliver education, training, tools, and resources to help employers prepare for disasters and resume the important work of serving communities. Website
RESOURCE PARTNERS
Illinois Small Business Development Centers provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses.
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ethOs (Entrepreneurial & Technical Opportunities) is a community providing coworking and meeting spaces, start-up incubator support, and training and development for small businesses and nonprofits.
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The EEC at SIU provides tailored small business development support to individuals and very small businesses (VSBs-10 employees or less). Website
Man-Tra-Con’s primary mission is to collaborate effectively with our workforce partners to create quality workforce solutions .
Employer Services
We are an equal opportunity provider, promoting economic growth and industrial development in Williamson County and Southern Illinois.
Community Partnerships
SI Now serves as a regional economic development hub and unified voice for the 17 southern counties of Illinois to advance our region as a great place to live, work, and do business. Website
The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission (Greater Egypt) has been serving southern Illinois communities, citizens, businesses, and local governments since 1961 by providing technical assistance and comprehensive planning.
Business Assistance & Incentives
We exist to drive growth through enterprise excellence that leads to long-term economic and workforce competitiveness in our state. We are dedicated to providing organizations in Illinois with the tools and techniques required to create their competitive future.
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