At Innovate Springfield, we are fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the greater Springfield area. We want to keep you updated on all of the great things happening within our iSPI community, so we are excited to introduce our new monthly newsletter! Each month, we'll feature articles, highlight members, announce upcoming events, and more. Check out our first edition, and stay tuned for more to come.

We have a lot of activities coming up in November that we are excited to share with you. We're holding our ribbon cutting with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Springfield Inc. on November 17th at 10:00 a.m.. Later that evening, we will hold our first-ever Preview Day, where members will present their businesses to an audience of investors, potential clients, and community members engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We hope you can be a part of these and other exciting activities at Innovate Springfield.

Katie Davison

Innovate Springfield Executive Director

Startup Stress? Yoga Can Help

Whether it’s pressure to meet a deadline or juggling a busy schedule, entrepreneurs combat stress daily.While stress is completely normal, too much stress can be counterproductive. Research shows that yoga can help control stress, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and more. If the key to beating stress is managing it, your all-in-one tool is yoga.

If a little bit of exercise and deep breathing can keep you productive and engaged in your startup, combine the two. Stop by for yoga at iSPI to relax, recharge, and destress. iSPI yoga is free to members and the public. Check iSPI's schedule for dates and details.

Startups Need Legal Advice to Break Boundaries  

by Chuck Davis

Attorney, Brown, Hay & Stephens

A lawyer can help an entrepreneur successfully navigate the complexities found in setting up a business and remaining legally compliant. From the beginning, an entrepreneur must grapple with legal issues. These issues include entity selection, tax planning, stock buy/sell considerations, day-to-day management and governance issues, and etc.  In addition, there are a number of issues related to launching a startup that, if handled incorrectly, could end a startup before it even begins such as issuing equity, commercializing a product, and compliance with securities laws. 

Hiring a lawyer sooner than later minimizes the possibility of a detrimental misstep. Early action allows the lawyer to ask questions at the outset, providing the entrepreneur with a better opportunity to foresee potential problems and be proactive rather than reactive. Lawyers aid growth and risk-management, and make sure an entrepreneur can build their startup on the right foot.

Brown, Hay & Stephens holds office hours for members at Innovate Springfield

on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Innovate Springfield Preview Day

Thursday, November 17th, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

We are excited to announce our first major event at iSPI! We are hosting Preview Day to highlight all of the great work that our members have been doing with their businesses. It's a great opportunity for you to network with our members, investors, and community members engaged in Springfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. All iSPI members will have the chance to exhibit their businesses, in any stage, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.. Visit the event website and request a ticket at howdy@innovatespringfield.org.