A few weeks ago, Greater Peoria received some great news. U.S. Representative Darin LaHood announced that Illinois Central College was granted $3 million for their Workforce Sustainability Center. Combined with $7 million in local and state funds, the Center will house thirteen different workforce training programs. This includes HVAC installation and repair, solar panel installation, a new geothermal energy program, truck driver training, highway construction, machinist training, and computer-aided drafting. These programs will produce graduates in some of the region’s most in-demand careers.
The federal grant was made available by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. EDA may be one of the nation’s best kept secrets. Their mission statement is pretty clear (emphasis mine): “To lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.” To me, that middle section is the most important. For businesses to grow, they need the local infrastructure to work in their favor. Whether that is traditional infrastructure like roads, airports and bridges or training infrastructure like the Workforce Sustainability Center, EDA partners with local government to maximize success.
Consider attending CO.STARTERS! CO.STARTERS is a program that helps new business owners build a community around local businesses.

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall cohort. This nine-week program equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action.
Join us for an informational session and discussion surrounding diversification and sustainability through Department of Defense and government contracts, as well as workforce challenges and solutions in the region. This event will also feature a resource fair, including representatives from IMEC and Illinois PTAC.

When: August 28, 2 - 4:30 PM

This event is FREE but registration is required.
In the latest data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), the Peoria MSA led the state in job creation—behind only the Chicago area—with 4,000 jobs added over the past twelve months.
Brave Launch is back again this year! The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff at Bradley University provides the management and instruction for this business accelerator program.

Applications are being accepted from companies/startups who are in need of developing a sustainable innovation process to create growth for their organization’s future.

Deadline to apply is 5pm on Monday, August 26.
Your Opinion Counts! The City of Peoria is conducting a community needs survey to help identify neighborhood priorities in order to make Peoria a great place to live, work, and play.
It’s that time of year already! Time to get 2019 Greater Peoria CareerSpark on your calendar and sign up to volunteer! This year, CareerSpark is being held on October 8th and 9th from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A beginning farmer, a BBQ sauce maker, and a food chain transparency technology programmer walk into a grocery store…  

Toss in two dozen more people, a mix of food entrepreneurs and resource providers, and you have yourself the Greater Peoria Food Innovation Meetup held last month at Sous Chef, a startup grocery store in Peoria’s Warehouse District.
The Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) has released its 2019 Manufacturing Matters report focusing on the economic impact of the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The report contains some impressive numbers.

In mid-July, IMA CEO Mark Denzler visited Peoria to discuss the findings of this impact report with members of the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network.
Aaron and Robin of Rockin' Robins Coffee Bistro are exploring the potential of starting their business downtown in the Chase Bank Building. Here, they are conducting a taste test to gauge consumer interest in baked goods and coffee in the area .

Email us at angui@greaterpeoriaedc.org if you are interested in starting a business or running an experiment!
This summer, over 200 interns participated in our summer intern mixer series. Each Thursday for the past two months, a local company would host an intern mixer where interns working across the region could come, meet new friends, learn about the host company, and enjoy Greater Peoria.
The GPEDC Board of Directors has approved a new bylaw requiring at least five board members come from underrepresented groups. These members will help improve racial/gender diversity, geographic diversity, and industry diversity on the board.
More Good News in Greater Peoria