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Join us in-person at Innovate Springfield or [virtually] for Reversing the Exodus: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Young Talent tonight, Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM with U of I Extension Specialist for Community and Economic Development, Pam Schallhorn.
Although the effects of the pandemic on outmigration have not had much research devoted to them yet, many experts are predicting that the pandemic may have changed migration patterns, especially in younger adults able to work remotely. University of Illinois Extension Specialist Pam Schallhorn will discuss several research-based strategies that communities can implement now to help reverse the outmigration trend, including insights into how remote work may provide more opportunities for young people to stay or migrate back to Illinois communities. The program will be followed by an all-star young adult panel discussion.
 
“There are so many things that are impacted by the outmigration of young talent from Illinois communities, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce, and business development” according to the presenter Pam Schallhorn. “Developing a strategic plan to address outmigration and attract young adults back into Illinois communities could have a significant impact on a community’s future.”

Register here.
Innovate Springfield member Deepak Dhankher, founder of Aggieland Software was recently featured on NPR Illinois Community Voices. We loved every single second of this program and feel privileged to serve Deepak and play even a small role in his entrepreneurial success. The people in this community are the absolute best!
Aggieland builds software and applications to help companies work more efficiently. Dhankher spoke to Community Voices about his passion for building software and using Artificial Intelligence to automate mundane tasks. We're really excited about Aggieland's latest project, SwiftServe, a universal digital ordering platform for your favorite stores. SwiftServe makes touchless ordering and payments easier than ever before by empowering your mobile phone to [swiftly] serve as your personal point of sales system.

While being headquartered at Innovate Springfield, Aggieland has grown its annual revenues to over $1M, currently employing 52 software engineers across the globe, including UIS graduates. Somebody grab us some tissues for this proud moment.
Grace Underfranger, founder of Crimson Fox Design Co and Innovate Springfield Spring 2021 CO.STARTERS graduate was recently featured on the CO.STARTERS [international] blog and newsletter! Grace is a graphic designer specializing in printed apparel and merchandise.
She graduated with honors from Lincoln Land Community College in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Graphic Design from the University of Arkansas. 

When asked what lessons from her CO.STARTERS experience have stayed with her as she operates a small business, Grace said, "I gained a lot of focus about who my customer is and what their needs are, and I really clarified my pitch. The program also taught me how to do good competitive research, so I can position myself accordingly."
Click here for that extra-special iSPI newsletter content you want ...
June
Join us [virtually] for Solopreneur Scaling: How to Grow a Freelance Business as a Company of One on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM with Innovate Springfield member Laura Briggs, founder of The Freelance Coach
You got into self-employment for the freedom, flexibility, and income potential. But it’s a balancing act when you’re wearing so many hats. Discover how to step back and recalibrate your business for growth in this workshop designed for new and experienced freelancers. Learn top strategies for making the most of your time and maximizing every project as you scale.

Register here.
July
The deadline to participate in our Fall CO.STARTERS Cohort is coming up on July 29. The application to participate is live on our website. The Fall cohort is scheduled to run Wednesday, August 24 - October 26, 2022.
CO.STARTERS is a ten-week community-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools need to turn their ideas into action. 

UIS students interested in earning an elective credit as a participant in the CO.STARTERS program this fall should contact Rob Weis in the Office of Engaged Learning for details at rweis4@uis.edu.

Learn more and apply here.
August
Join us virtually or in-person for The Power of Pop-up Shops with U of I Extension Specialist Pam Schallhorn on Thursday, August 11 from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Who should attend? Small business owners, creative entrepreneurs especially artists, event managers, and local leaders interested in expanding their community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Pop-up shop concept has been around for a while. It is an integral part of a community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Pop-up shops can be a low-cost way to start a business while testing product ideas and developing a customer base. They can also be a great way for online merchants to take their products offline in order to grow revenues and lead customers to their online shops. Even existing brick-and-mortar stores have used pop-ups to expand their brand awareness.

The presenter, Pam Schallhorn will discuss ways small businesses, organizations, and event managers can use pop-up shops to expand the appeal of local events. Pam will also provide examples of communities in Illinois that have adopted policies and ordinances that have spurred entrepreneurial development using the pop-up concept and in turn, have promoted downtown areas, provided access to fresh food in food deserts, and given start-ups, artists, and existing businesses a place to test markets and increase revenues.

Register here.

We Are UIS

Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 12 PM - 1 PM, Public Policy Webinar Series, The Conflict in Ukraine PART III: Human Rights, Law, and the International Community.

Nearly three months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military have been accused of numerous alleged human rights violations. These alleged violations have spurred widespread condemnation and the opening of domestic and international investigations into the alleged crimes. The Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield is bringing together a panel of three expert scholars to discuss the violations, legal recourses for victims, the role of the international community, and more. The panel will feature Dr. Audrey Comstock of Arizona State University, Dr. Valery Dzutsati of the University of Kansas, and Dr. Ryan Welch of the University of Tampa. The panel will be moderated by Dr. AJ Simmons of UIS.

Register here.

Jonny Wallace is an Army Veteran from the Prairie State and the founder and principal at W Strategies. The mission of W Strategies is to build tools that solve problems. Since its inception, W Strategies quickly scaled from an individual consultancy to a startup technology firm. 
W has provided creative strategies for a range of clients from government, startups, celebrities, politicians, and authors. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, GQ, and the front pages of Reddit and YouTube.

They build tools to help your business or organization grow. Tools like:
  • Online Advertising
  • Web Hosting
  • App Development
  • Public Relations
  • Government Affairs
P>>
So Much Is Happening

Our partner in economic development, Downtown Springfield Inc was named the third-place winner of the 2021-2022 Shop Small Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest presented by American Express, in partnership with Main Street America for the innovative ways they celebrated Shop Small® during the holiday season!

iSPI's founding organization, The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln recently welcomed Haley Wilson as its first full-time Director of Communications. Haley supports the Foundation’s outreach and marketing efforts and grant administration, and provides support in developing and managing their community-based events.

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln connects people that care to causes that matter. From 2003 to 2021, the Community Foundation grew from one fund with approximately $800,000 in total assets to over 260 funds with approximately $60 million in total assets. The Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in grants in its short history.

Learn more about the Community Foundation's great work and the impact  they are creating in our community here.

Thanks for being here with us and for supporting the local
innovation ecosystem!
Copyright © 2022 Innovate Springfield, All rights reserved.


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