EDWARDSVILLE, IL – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s innovative business and community incubator, The Wedge, is once again taking bold steps in fostering local economic growth and community empowerment. This June, The Wedge has rolled out a fresh lineup of interactive workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events specifically designed to support small business owners, local entrepreneurs, and community members.
The initiative is part of a long-term vision by SIUE’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to create a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem in the Edwardsville and Metro East region. As one of the fastest-growing community support centers in Illinois, The Wedge is delivering real tools, real strategies, and real connections.
Learn more about The Wedge’s mission here.
The Wedge Powered by SIUE is a co-working and business resource space that combines education, outreach, and collaboration. It functions as a community engagement hub, enabling startups, small businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations to access resources, training, and consulting. Located in the heart of East St. Louis, The Wedge operates with a unique mission: build local businesses from the inside out.
June’s programming includes a combination of in-person and virtual events, ensuring broad accessibility for entrepreneurs at all levels.
Here’s what community members and small business owners can expect this month:
A hands-on session that walks early-stage entrepreneurs through idea validation, business planning, and setting SMART goals. This interactive workshop is free to attend and includes takeaway templates and digital tools.
This digital marketing seminar focuses on low-cost marketing techniques ideal for local and online small businesses. It will cover social media strategies, email campaigns, and local outreach methods.
An open invitation for professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs to mingle, share ideas, and form collaborations. Light breakfast and coffee are provided. Local business pitches are encouraged during this informal event.
Led by local legal experts, this workshop demystifies LLC formation, contracts, liability, and intellectual property rights. It’s perfect for anyone navigating the legal side of launching a business.
A special event that encourages high school and college students to build business skills early. It includes a mini-pitch competition, mentorship sessions, and creative challenges.
All programs are open to the public, with free registration available through SIUE’s event portal.
You can sign up for these events here.
One of the most powerful impacts of The Wedge is its ability to bridge the divide between university innovation and community empowerment. With direct support from faculty, business mentors, and SIUE students, community members gain access to expert-level consulting—without the cost barrier.
SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor emphasized this mission in a recent statement:
“The Wedge is not just about business; it’s about building resilient communities. Our university has a responsibility to lift our region—and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
In a post-pandemic world where many small businesses are still finding their footing, The Wedge is playing a crucial role in economic recovery. From navigating financial assistance to refining digital strategy, The Wedge’s team offers ongoing technical support and tailored coaching sessions that cater to the unique needs of each business.
The incubator also offers micro-grant assistance and helps connect entrepreneurs with regional funding opportunities.
Check if your small business qualifies for support here.
Over the past two years, The Wedge has assisted over 120 startups and small businesses, created 75 local jobs, and facilitated more than 300 community consultations. Its success is drawing attention from nearby cities, with plans underway to replicate the model in other underserved regions of Illinois and Missouri.
As SIUE and The Wedge continue to build on this momentum, the focus remains on long-term community resilience. Upcoming expansions include:
Each initiative is designed with community input and cultural inclusivity in mind.
Small businesses are the backbone of local economies—and when they grow, communities thrive. The Wedge Powered by SIUE understands that community engagement isn’t just about business—it’s about building shared prosperity, trust, and opportunity.
This June’s programs are a blueprint for how educational institutions can create change beyond the classroom—and build a better tomorrow for everyone involved.
For a full calendar and contact info, visit The Wedge at SIUE.
If you are a dreamer, doer, or builder looking to take your idea to the next level, now’s the time. With The Wedge’s free, inclusive, and engaging events, June 2025 might just be the month your big idea takes off.
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