Don't ask us how we're already more than halfway through September. Sweet startups, the time is flying by. Speaking of startups, there's so much action happening in the iSPI community ...
In case you haven't noticed, at Innovate Springfield we're committed to building a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem for our region. We know we can't do it alone, so we're constantly growing our network connections in support of the starters we serve.
Earlier this year, we connected with the Illinois Treasurer's Office to establish a strategic partnership to catalyze the local venture capital ecosystem.
Together we're hosting our inaugural Silicorn Valley Summit, which aims to connect the starters that we serve at Innovate Springfield with an opportunity to pitch to venture capitalists through the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund (ILGIF) and other community investors. ILGIF is an evergreen, $1 billion impact investment fund that invests in ways to attract, assist and retain quality technology-enabled businesses in Illinois.
We're incredibly excited for this opportunity and the growth potential on the horizon for the starters that we serve right here in the prairie.
We'd love to invite the whole entire world to this event but in order to protect the confidentiality of the concepts participating in the summit, we have made this is a private, invitation-only event. Even still, we promise to fill you in on all the startup action that we can, so be on the lookout for details in our November update.
Don't wait another minute to submit an application for the Back to Business(B2B) grant program. This program offers small businesses access to funds to help offset losses due to COVID-19, and continue to rebuild from the pandemic fallout.
Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations, staff, and overhead costs. More information and the application for B2B can be found on the DCEO website here.
The online application portal allows for documents to be easily scanned and uploaded for processing. The required documentation includes the following:
Business owner ID (ITIN business owners eligible);
Business’s 2019 and 2020 Federal tax returns;
Two (2) business bank statements – one from the period April through December 2020, and the most recent statement.
Your brand is your business's personality and is communicating all kinds of data points with your customer. So what does your brand say about your business and the value that you create? What story does it tell? What story do you want it to tell, and how can you harness the power of your brand to increase your reach, your impact, and attract your ideal customer?
Whether you're just starting out, or you've been in business for a while, evaluating your brand and brand strategy to ensure alignment with your core values, mission, vision, goals, and customer profile should be part of your annual routine so don't miss this session. See you there!
Prioritizing the health and wellness of those that we serve has always been important to us here at iSPI. All are welcome to join us for gentle Yoga for Starters on the first Tuesday of each month, and Mindfulness Meditation for Starters on the third Tuesday of each month with Innovate Springfield member Amy Denney, founder of Shine Light Therapy.
We hope that you'll make Self-Care for Starters part of your
regular work routine with us!
Stay Strong, We're In This Together
We know how hard it's been to find the motivation to do all the things lately. Maybe it's the change of seasons. Maybe it's the mountain of to-dos on your to-do list. Maybe it's this never-ending pandemic and disruption to our work, education, health care, the economy, and relationships.
Exposure to collective and long-term trauma has serious repercussions. We cannot deny that we remain in the midst of a mental health upheaval, and we owe it to ourselves and to one another to show collective compassion, empathy, and support.
If you’re concerned for yourself, a co-worker, friend, or a loved one or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and is confidential. Call 1-800-273-8255. For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
Whatever you do, don't even think about giving up!
Take some time for yourself, and saddle back up because you were made for this and we need you.
At Innovate Springfield community is what it’s all about! It’s the most collaborative, supportive, and authentic environment we’ve ever worked in. The real magic is in the people who call iSPI their work-home and the passion and value that they bring to our community.
What Do You Love Most About The iSPI Community?
We asked, and you didn't hold back! Survey says the people are the magic in the iSPI community. Check it out.
What do you love most about the iSPI Community? ...
Being around other people who know what it's like to run a startup.
Coffee & Community at iSPI!
They help remove barriers I once thought I'd never be able to overcome.
The people you meet!
The feedback and cheerleading!
The connections that you make, so easy for me.
If you're ready to begin your startup journey, Innovate Springfield is here for you. We've got all the traditional office amenities and startup supports to catalyze your productivity and professional growth, but our collaborative community is truly magical. Visit our website to learn more about membership and apply.
