[1] Before the establishment of the Edwardsville campus, the school was organized as one of six "Divisions of Academic Programs" within the Residential Centers in Alton and East St.

The goal of the center is to provide in-depth assistance and accelerated services to entrepreneurs as well as to promotes an entrepreneurial culture throughout the region.

The SBDC will review business plans and discuss financing options, marketing, management, and other topics of concern to its clients.

SBDC maintains a resource room containing computer programs, video tapes, and reference material on a variety of business topics.

It is a continuously updated program that allows participants the opportunity to become a part of a network of contractors, subcontractors, business owners, and industry experts in order to develop competencies for leadership, planning, and management .

Curriculum is developed by a steering committee of experienceded project management professionals and focuses on lessons learned and best practices.