CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) — The Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois is inviting entrepreneurs and business owners to attend the 2026 Black Expo Business Seminar later this month.

The seminar is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dunn-Richmond Development Center, located at the Illinois Small Business Development Center on Innovation Drive in Carbondale.

Check-in and a continental breakfast will be available from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

The event will feature three guest speakers who will share tools and strategies to help local entrepreneurs grow and protect their businesses.

Featured speakers include:

• Imani McHenry, of Infinite Cyber Tech Solutions, who will discuss digital confidence and cyber safety for emerging entrepreneurs.

• Tom Harness, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Illinois Economic Empowerment Center at SIU, who will present on unlocking artificial intelligence and business growth tools.

• Yemisi Anderson, Founder and CEO of The Jay Effect, who will focus on growing and sustaining a successful business.

Organizers say the seminar is designed to empower small business owners with practical skills, resources, and networking opportunities.

Advance registration is required. Those interested can register online through the provided link or QR code on event materials.

For more information, visit blackchamberofsi.com or contact bccsishopblk618@gmail.com.