When we think about scalable startup businesses, our minds tend to focus on individuals or small groups who invent or develop ideas from scratch. Maybe they worked in a particular industry or have some specific training or expertise, but they work independently outside their “normal” jobs. As a region, we are building systems to help support this type of innovator, but we cannot overlook the value of corporate innovation: the new concepts, products and services that originate within the walls of a company and are launched as new companies. We see this all the time at large companies like Caterpillar,Komatsu, CNH and others. It is increasingly occurring within our medical community, but corporate innovation is also alive and well in smaller companies.
I recently had a chance to visit with Mark Hanback, Executive Vice President of Delivery at Tada Cognitive Solutions (Tada), a ground-breaking data analytics firm headquartered in downtown Peoria. Tada started as a part of CGN Global, also headquartered in Peoria. CGN Global is a business transformation company that has partnered with Fortune 500 clients for over 20 years to drive execution and innovation.
Do you have a locally produced food product you are trying to get on more shelves? Do you have a food industry technology? A product idea that requires a commercial kitchen? Maybe a restaurant or grocery trying to more efficiently source local foods?

Join us on Wednesday, July 31 for our inaugural Greater Peoria Food Innovation Meetup at Sous Chef in Peoria's historic Warehouse District!

This initial gathering of food innovators from across the region will focus on introductions, networking and conversations around the perceived gaps that exist in the overall food innovation ecosystem within Greater Peoria. All food innovators and entrepreneurs (established or aspiring) are welcome!
Join us for an informational session and discussion surrounding diversification and sustainability through DoD and government contracts, as well as workforce challenges and solutions in the region.

When: August 28
Where: The Gateway Building
Do you have a business or are interested in starting one? The Peoria Innovation Alliance would like to hear from you!

This comprehensive survey is targeted at better understanding and serving the needs of Greater Peoria’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CO.STARTERS Demo Day Showcases First Cohort
The inaugural CO.STARTERS cohort presented their business pitches on Monday, June 17. The class consisted of 9 women from various walks of life.

Over the 9 weeks, the students were equipped with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action The businesses launched focused on solar generation, language acquisition, wine-appreciation, service management, diet and health management, and more.
Representing Greater Peoria, Kim Uhlig and Mark Slover attended the Select USA Summit again this year. With over 2500 attendees representing 80 countries, it was an action-packed few days in Washington DC.

The GPEDC was part of the Intersect Illinois booth along with several other organizations throughout the state, known as Team Illinois.
Come visit us at the Nest Co-Working Space in Peoria's Warehouse District or take the virtual tour.

The Nest is a shared work environment for early stage entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote professionals. 
The Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network is excited to announce that Cast Technologies is now an official member of our growing Network. Cast adds depth, diversity, and experience to our already impressive roster of members.
The GPEDC and University of Illinois Extension led the effort of the Regional Fresh Food Council to produce a report concerning the grocery retail gap in underserved neighborhoods.  

This report discusses findings from a study that included a resident survey, interviews with local independent and chain grocery store managers, a regional demographic and market analysis, and additional grocery industry research.

A meeting was held at the Minority Business Development Center to begin a community conversation about grocery stores and business development.
For the month of July (which is also Independent Retailer Month, yay!), we are challenging shoppers to track closely their retail spending and promote local buying on social media using the hashtag #LoyaltoLocal .

With teams participating around the region, we hope to demonstrate the economic and community impact that each of us can make with our spending habits.

Join in on the fun by using #LoyaltoLocal and and #ShopLocal365 .
With our Summer Intern Mixer Series underway, we are taking time to recognize some of the terrific interns in the Greater Pe oria area.

Andrew is from South Brunswick, New Jersey and is studying Accounting and Finance at   Indiana University . He is currently interning at Caterpillar and hopes to become a successful investor; introducing new products into the market to make the world a better place and making consumers’ lives more convenient.
Defense contractors and sub-contractors! Learn about the importance of cyber-security as your company looks to grow.

When: July 30
Where: Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
More Good News in Greater Peoria