You. And you. And that gal over there. And everyone in Springfield, actually. Because when we cultivate a community that is supportive of innovation, we all win. Not just because it's fun to support Springfield's best and brightest in realizing their full potential, but also because that culture of innovation creates very real benefits for our community. When newly-created, innovative businesses thrive, our economy and our job market get a boost. And when we use an evidence-based approach to enhance the effectiveness of our social programs, we support the healthy development of current and future generations of community members. >> Keep reading to learn about how innovation that benefits the Springfield community has been highlighted and celebrated this month. |
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UIS Innovation Awards Over 100 people applied or were nominated and 11 winners were honored at the Innaugural Illinois Capital Innovation awards on April 6th at the new Student Union on the UIS Campus. Innovate Springfield teamed up with UIS and SIU School of Medicine to recognize homegrown innovation by local thought leaders in research, technology, healthcare, community solutions, and business for their innovative thinking and contributions to our community. |
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Five iSPI member companies were recognized as finalists and two iSPI member companies took home "Innovator of the Year" awards in their respective categories. The event also featured a live pitch competition where finalists competed for "Innovator of the Year" in the startup category before an audience of hundreds. |
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If you weren't able to join us at the 2018 Progress Briefing check out NewsChannel 20's coverage of the event. Want to get the 411 about how Sangamon Success is being implemented? Sign up for the Continuum of Learning's quarterly newsletter. |
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Core Program: Fundamentals of Finance In this interactive and individualized session, participants will learn the fundamentals of financial issues as they relate to starting and running a business. Participants will walk away from this session knowing the three most common financial statements and how to interpret them and the tools and resources needed to avoid drawbacks and plan for a sustainable future. Join us April 19, 2018 from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. Presented by: Chris Parks, INB Wealth Management | | |
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Deep Dive: Public Speaking In this session, participants will crack the business-plan-development code by determining the business plan format that's right for their venture, learning the key components to include in their business plan, and receiving the tools and resources needed to develop their plan. Join us April 19, 2018, from 5:15-6:15 PM. Presented by: Steve Garland | | |
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Welcome New Members We're excited to welcome some NEW members to iSPI. Be sure to extend a warm Howdy to: - Benjamin Burger, Burger Technologies
- Dwight Bolden II, Organic Architects Design
- Ben Hammel, Digital for FEC
- Greg Tatarek, The Man-Stash
Check out our website to meet our members, and if you know someone who's interested in starting a business be sure to send them our way. |
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Field Trip: The Kreative Lounge Kollective We recently visited Jarius Edens at the Kreative Lounge Collective to learn how she's contributing to Springfield's entrepreneurial ecosystem through her female-friendly, flexible co-working and art space with great vibes. We <3 making entrepreneurial, creative new friends! |
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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 The Turnaround: "The Turnaround is a series of stories about the companies who almost had to shut their doors, but managed to launch an epic turnaround. Because who doesn’t love a good comeback story?" The Promise: "The Promise is an NPR podcast about life in public housing, smack in the middle of a city on the rise — stories of a neighborhood in flux, a community defined by its struggles and the growing divide threatening its very existence." Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell: "Each week, Malcolm Gladwell reinterprets something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance." |
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