April 2018 Newsletter

And the winner is...

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.  

Program News

Business Incubation

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.  

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.  

Jump over to our blog to read more about the event, see the full list of winners and scope some pics from the event. Congratulations to all nominees, winners, and those who pitched!

Social Innovation

2018 Sangamon Success Progress Briefing

 

On March 30th, iSPI shared the stage with our Continuum of Learning partners to update the community on the progress made in implementing the Sangamon Success strategy (the first road map for iSPI's Social Innovation Program).  Thanks to all those who participated in the event by attending our breakout discussions and sharing your vision for supporting less-advantaged youth in Sangamon County through evidence-based programs.

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.

iSPI Workshops

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

 
Click Here to Register

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

 
Click Here to Register

Core Program:

Market Position and Branding

In this interactive session participants will learn how to identify their distinct advantage within the market and how to build a brand around that advantage. Join us Friday, May 18, 2018 for a lunch and learn from 11:30am -12:30pm led by Brett Jackson of Systemax.

 
Click Here to Register

Member News

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.

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!

What We're Into This Month

>>   Curated content from the iSPI team   >>

What We're Reading

 

Pew Charitable Trusts: Women at Work: 'Pre-Apprenticeships' Boost Female Construction Workers

 

25 Black founders and VCs to watch in 2018

 

New York Times: Extensive Data Shows Punishing Reach of Racism for Black Boys

 

How to solve U.S. social problems when most rigorous program evaluations find disappointing effects

 

Everyone knows we're a little obsessed with Parks and Rec. Read about Pawnee's favorite enrepreneur and his business ideas ranked by viability.

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."

15 South Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL, 62701
217-670-1770

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