Empowering a Culture of Innovation: Social Innovation & Business Incubation Innovate Springfield (iSPI) is truly a multi-faceted organization, and we want to kick off 2018 by sharing more about how our two flagship programs, Social Innovation and Business Incubation, represent our holistic commitment to connecting the innovation ecosystem in our fair city. iSPI is unique in the incubator world in that it's a combined social innovation and business incubator. Housing these programs under one roof positions us to innovate in two areas where the Springfield community is poised for significant growth: 1) accelerating the startup process for creative entrepreneurs and 2) enhancing the effectiveness of local social programs and services. By serving as a hub for innovation in both of these areas, we aim to contribute to a culture of innovation in Springfield where effective new ideas -- whether it's a start-up that disrupts a given industry, or a new, evidence-based approach to improving how we serve youth and families -- are embraced and invested in. We invite you to become involved in our work in 2018! Engage with us by attending our events, reading our newsletters, following us on social media, serving as a mentor to our business incubation members, reading the Sangamon Success report, and recommending us to the innovators in your networks. Learn more about how we support the innovation ecosystem and how you can stay connected at innovatespringfield.org. |
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so·cial in·no·va·tion /sōSHel/ /ineˈvāSH(e)n/ Collecting high-quality data and research evidence and applying it in ways that increase the positive impact of social programs and services. |
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Innovate Springfield's Social Innovation Program is a catalyst for building our community’s capacity to serve its most vulnerable residents as effectively as possible through the use of evidence-based programs. >> Learn more On January 19th, iSPI's Social Innovation Coordinator will takeover our social media accounts to share more about what iSPI does on a day-to-day basis to advance its social innovation goals. Be sure to tune in on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! |
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busi·ness in·cu·ba·tion \ˈbiz-nəz \,iŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən Accelerating the growth and success of startup and early-stage companies by offering access to services and supports. |
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Innovate Springfield's Business Incubation Program aims to support entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development through our collaborative space, office amenities, high-quality capacity-building programming, and community of entrepreneurs and expert advisors. >> Learn more |
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What's in a name? Many have asked, and we want to take a time out to connect the dots between our shortened name (iSPI) and our full name (Innovate Springfield). First off, it's pronounced eye-spy. The "i" stands for innovate-- as in what we and our members do here everyday. "SPI" is the airport and train station code for Springfield, Illinois, so we like to think that "iSPI" represents Springfield’s import and export of great ideas in the context of the global culture of innovation. |
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Business Plan Development We're kicking off our business incubation programming schedule with a lunchtime overview of Business Plan Development on January 18, 2018 from 11:15 AM-12:15 PM. In this session, participants will crack the business plan code by determining the business plan format that's right for their venture, learning the key components to include in their plan, and receiving the tools and resources needed to develop a standout business plan. Presented by: Kevin Lust, Small Business Development Center | | |
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Deep Dive: Strategic Planning Aimed at helping you plan for the future and expect the unexpected, participants will leave this presentation with practical tools they can implement right now to make a noticeable difference in the performance of their start-ups. We'll dive into the 3 pillars of the Rockefeller Habits including priorities, data, and rhythm. |
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Participants will learn basic strategic planning concepts and exercises like mission, vision, SWOT analysis, power and interest, and Ho-Shin Affinity. Participants will leave having identified their organization's strategic direction, and have a simple, actionable plan. Join us January 18, 2018 from 5:15 PM-6:15 PM. Presented by: Nikki Baker, Recycled Cottage |
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Meet Our Members Our community is growing every day-- in fact, we're now up to 37 members representing 30 companies. We're so proud of our network of entrepreneurs, so naturally we couldn't wait another minute to share their stories with you. Get the deets on all the iSPI members. |
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Welcome New Members We're *super* excited to add a few new names to our chalkboard wall this week and want to extend a warm iSPI welcome to our newest members: - Aditya Kumar of The Newtier Group
- McKenzie Smith with INorupt
- BLDD Architects
Be sure to say howdy next time you're in the space! |
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What We're Into This Month >> Curated content from the iSPI team >> |
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What We're Listening To Breaking Down the New US Corporate Tax Code: Wondering how the changes to the tax code will affect you and your business? Here's a place for you to start. CES Techtalk: A podcast highlighting all of the cool things happening now at CES. How to Startup: On how the Slicing the Pie formula is a model for perfect equity split in bootstrapped startups. Brains On Podcast: Looking for something to listen to in the car with the kiddos but refuse to buy into the horribleness that is Kidz Bop? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Brains On is a super cool science podcast for kids that is enjoyable for parents, too. You're welcome. |
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