Copy
Check out what's happening at iSPI.
View this email in your browser

Fasten your seatbelts because we're graduating our seventh CO.STARTERS cohort with a special [virtual] Celebration Pitch Night on Wednesday, April 20 at 6 PM. For the past ten weeks, these ten starters have engaged in customer discovery like never before and they are eager to introduce you to their concepts.

We hope you can join us in honoring our Spring 2022 Cohort:

  • Alex R. - Night-life experience that utilizes a Stock Market pricing system to attract patrons, and creates an exciting and dynamic environment.

  • Amanda C. - Building handcrafted exquisite, heirloom-quality furniture from 100+-year-old American barns and buildings.

  • Crystal B. - Offering unique and fun pet and pet-owner products including matching accessories for you and your pet.

  • DeAnna J. - Supporting individuals in the third phase of their lives.

  • Elizabeth W. - Downtown late-night coffee shop and dry bar.

  • Erin S. - Creating customized products to make people smile including mugs, tumblers, tea towels, and blankets.

  • Kelly S. + LeAnn D. - Sharing the fun of crafting through handmade products, and empowering others to join in the fun with crafting classes.

  • Keziah G. - Fashionable online clothing store for young women.

  • Shannon S. - Healthfood brand and snack bar that uses education and nutrition to improve health outcomes and satisfy cravings.
Register to attend our virtual celebration night, and learn more about how we do CO.STARTERS at Innovate Springfield on our website.
Click here for that extra-special iSPI newsletter content you want ...
April
Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Demo the Research Enabled platform for Illinois manufacturers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. The Research Enabled platform provides access to university resources, including expertise, facilities, and equipment, and is funded by an Economic Development Administration i6 Challenge award to the University of Missouri System and the Southern Illinois University System. Efforts are currently underway to expand this program to other universities throughout the region and deeper into Illinois.

If your company could benefit from faculty or facilities within the associated university programs to apply for research funding, foundation grants, or other needs, then this demo is for you.

Register here.
May
Join us [virtually] for Let's Make a Reel! on Wednesday, May 11 from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM with Innovate Springfield member Amy Denney, founder of Shine Light Therapy. Don’t let Reel anxiety hold you back. You can express your authentic self — with or without dancing and pointing. There are as many styles of Reels as there are online personalities. In this iSPI workshop designed for newbies, we will explore the power of Reels, talk strategy, swap inspiration and then [gasp!] make and post our own Reels in a breakout session.

Register here.
Join us in-person at Innovate Springfield or [virtually] for Reversing the Exodus: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Young Talent on 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 a 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.
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.
We Are UIS

Candice Trees is a public servant and volunteer leader of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who will present on the history and service of Black fraternal organizations to the region and University.

Register here.
Kelly Gust is the founder of HR Full Circle, offering a range of strategic planning and talent optimization solutions to help your business go full circle: PLAN for change and growth, ACQUIRE new talent, ENGAGE your team for success, DEVELOP high potential leaders, and continuously EVOLVE for the future. 
Kelly's background is in strategic human resources, talent optimization, leadership development, assessment, performance coaching, training, and change management. Growing up in a small business, she understands the challenges many owners face in finding and keeping great talent. Her experience spans a variety of industries including hospitality, retail, supply chain, and organizations both large and small. Kelly has a master's degree in industrial/organizational psychology and loves helping individuals and organizations reach their potential. 

Kelly also graciously volunteers her time to provide monthly office hours to Innovate Springfield members around their human resources needs.
P>>
So Much Is Happening
Don't miss your chance to see Scott Stratten, author of UnMarketing on April 28 at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre thanks to our friends at Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. The event will include a 45-minute speaker session, a 15-minute Q & A, followed by a cocktail reception and book signing opportunity.

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


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp