In honor of those who serve in our Armed Forces, Innovate Springfield has named November Veteran Owned Business Month. That means we're offering free workshop attendance and work space access to all active, reserve, and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the month of November. Any veterans, reservists, or individuals who are on active duty should click here to register for our November workshop, and if you're interested in taking our co-working space for a test drive this month please contact us at howdy@innovatespringfield.org. |
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Meet Chatham's VFW Commander: Jayson Hoffman We took a time-out with Chatham's VFW Commander Jayson Hoffman to discuss his military experience and how iSPI and the greater Springfield community can support veterans here at home. Hoffman comes from a long line of military service tracing all the way back to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. He joined the Army on active duty in 2004 as part of the Calvary Division and in 2006, while pursuing a Political Science degree, signed with the Illinois National Guard. Hoffman worked as a combat journalist while deployed to Iraq in 2009 and 2010, and as part of his re-entry program became involved with the VFW. |
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When asked about his impression of entrepreneurialism among veterans Hoffman said simply, "We're mission focused and detail oriented," noting that "small things are [true] difference makers." He went on to discuss the alignment between his training and his ability to manage people, suggesting that "teamwork is the key," and that his military experience has helped him identify individuals' strengths as they relate to mission completion. Jayson believes there is opportunity to support veteran businesses by creating a coordinated "shop veteran" campaign, and he is exploring the idea of starting a local veteran-owned business association. If you know of a local veteran-owned business that would benefit from this type of organization, send us an email with their contact information to howdy@innovatespringfield.org. You're probably wondering what you can do to support veterans. Here are a few ideas: - Shop Veteran Owned Businesses (like these: Combat Flip Flops, Kill Cliff, Oscar Mike)
- Engage in local VFW events
- Support giving efforts like Operation Blanket Brigade and the Toys for Tots Country Jammer
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Deep Dive: How to Pivot Explore the pitfalls of developing a business and identify opportunities to pivot for success and avoid failure. Participants will learn key failure points, how to avoid them, and how to bounce back. AND since November is Veteran-Owned Business Month, this workshop is FREE to all active, reserve, and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces. | | |
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Deep Dive: Creativity In this workshop you'll explore techniques to help you unlock your creativity by making a Bob Ross-inspired piece of art (and soaking up his totally cool life philosophy in the process). Complimentary Rolling Meadows Beer will be served, and participants are encouraged to bring snacks and the adult beverage of their choice. | | |
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Welcome New Member We're excited to add another name to our chalkboard wall and want to extend the warmest iSPI welcome to Artisan & Company, who settled into a private workstation this month. Our continued growth is a direct reflection of the referrals and support we receive from community members like you. Thank you! |
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It's a take-over! c/o Courtney Westlake We turned the keys to our social media accounts over to our favorite local author and social media influencer, Courtney Westlake of blessed by Brenna.
She's live @ iSPI all day TODAY, November 3rd! Cruise through cyber space with us as Courtney documents her day working in the iSPI space via our Facebook and Instagram pages. |
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What We're Into This Month |
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iSPI Leaks So you made it this far in the newsletter. Congratulations, you get to have inside information! Next month, join the State of Illinois, Microsoft, and iSPI for a good old-fashioned Hackathon. Developers from across the state will gather in Springfield to generate ideas on how chat bots can be used as an anytime, anywhere resource to understand how to do business with the State. Join us on December 5th for this free event sponsored by the State of Illinois, Innovate Springfield, and Microsoft. |
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