CARBONDALE – The SIU Foundation, SIU Alumni Association, Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce are partnering to launch Salukis Build Here, a new initiative encouraging alumni to start, relocate or expand their businesses in Southern Illinois. 

The partnership will be formalized with a signing ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Alumni Association Courtyard Tent outside Woody Hall.  

“Salukis Build Here celebrates the success of alumni-owned businesses already thriving in Carbondale and across Southern Illinois,” said Matt Kupec, SIU Foundation CEO. “We’re inviting more Salukis to come back—or start here—to grow their ventures with the support of the university and local partners. Together, we’re building businesses, strengthening Carbondale and growing the region.”  

The initiative builds on the momentum of alumni entrepreneurs who have established successful businesses locally and seeks to encourage others nationwide to consider Southern Illinois as a prime location. 

“Every Saluki carries memories of their time at SIU, and those memories include more than just life on campus,” said Molly Hudgins, SIU Alumni Association executive director. “When alumni choose to return, invest and make their lives in this region, they not only reignite those memories, but they create opportunities for the next generation. Southern Illinois and SIU are stronger together, and this partnership reflects a commitment that will fuel continued growth and opportunity.”  

“By building on alumni-owned businesses, we’re not just celebrating success — we’re creating an invitation for other Salukis to choose Southern Illinois when starting, relocating or expanding a business,” said Deb Barnett, SI Now executive director. “When Salukis succeed, Southern Illinois succeeds. This is the perfect time to invest, build and belong in Carbondale and throughout Southern Illinois.”  

Southern Illinois offers a business-friendly environment with flexible zoning, incentives for new and expanding businesses, and state and local support. Carbondale resources include: 

• Enterprise Zone: Tax incentives and regulatory support for businesses locating in the zone. 

• Downtown Façade Improvement Program: Low-interest loans to improve commercial properties. 

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program: Tools to support redevelopment and investment. 

“Carbondale is proud to partner with SIU and our local organizations on Salukis Build Here,” said Stan Reno, Carbondale City Manager. “We’re committed to providing the resources, incentives and supportive environment that help alumni-owned businesses thrive. When alumni choose Carbondale, they invest not only in their own future but also in the future of our City.”  

Statewide programs also provide benefits, such as: 

• Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE): Annual corporate tax credits for job creation and capital investment. 

• Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV Illinois): Incentives for electric vehicle and renewable energy manufacturers. 

• Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO): Support for semiconductor manufacturers. 

• Other incentives include the High Impact Business Program, Prime Sites Grants, Angel Investment Tax Credits, Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credits and Film Production Tax Credits. 

“Downtown Carbondale is full of opportunity, and alumni entrepreneurs are a big part of that story,” said Matt Collinsworth, Carbondale Main Street executive director. “Through this partnership, we hope to welcome even more Salukis who want to grow their businesses here while adding to the energy, culture and community spirit of our Main Street district.”  

The initiative will culminate in a community celebration at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Hangar 9. The open-house event will feature alumni-owned businesses, food and beverage vendors, testimonials from Saluki entrepreneurs and networking opportunities with alumni, local business owners and community leaders. 

“Our chamber exists to strengthen and support local businesses, and this initiative aligns perfectly with that mission,” said William Lo, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce executive director. “By connecting alumni with the resources they need, Salukis Build Here will create jobs, boost our economy and highlight Southern Illinois as a place where business and community succeed together.”  

The timing leads into SIU’s Homecoming weekend. On Friday, Oct. 24, Carbondale will shut down the Strip for a Halloween street festival featuring food trucks, vendor booths, games and live music. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the SIU Alumni Association and the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s BEER Group will host the largest Homecoming tailgate on Salukis Row ahead of SIU’s football matchup against the University of Northern Iowa.