Construction Owner-2-CEO
Are you or someone you know in the construction industry looking to take your business to the next level? Innovation DuPage and HACIA's Construction Owner-2-CEO is a free 10-week virtual business accelerator for construction professionals. Gain expertise in project management, contract bidding, leadership, marketing strategy, and human resources through expert-led training and networking. Apply here by January 6th.

ID Member Portal Walkthrough
Be sure to attend our January 8th Member Meetup for a walkthrough of the new ID Member Portal with IT Project Manager Anushka Verma. Get a hands-on demonstration, connect with one another, ask questions about access, and discover how the platform will help you more easily navigate ID's resources. 

Much Appreciated:
Thank you to Ervis Bostanxhi of Visi Studios and Sondra Simpson from Elmhurst University for their presentations at our recent member meetup! Attendees learned about Visi Studios' boutique photography approach, with Bostanxhi highlighting their specialization in capturing authentic love stories worldwide. As the Member Resource, Simpson provided an overview of business resources and opportunities from Elmhurst University, including potential collaboration on market research projects and strategic learning initiatives. You can always access our presentations here.

Beneficial Ownership Requirement: 
Starting in 2024, many small and mid-sized businesses must report their beneficial owners (individuals who own or control the business) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen). This applies to most companies registered with the Illinois Secretary of State, with some exemptions. Existing businesses have until the end of 2024 to file. For new businesses, those registered in 2024 have 90 days from registration to file, while those registered in 2025 or later will only have 30 days. The filing is free and done online through FinCen's website. Non-compliance can result in penalties. Business owners should check if they're exempt from this new requirement.

• FinCen FAQs link (the most useful and comprehensive info link of all): https://www.fincen.gov/boi-faqs
• FinCen YouTube “How to File Your BOI” link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GydCvfbKxPw
• IL Secretary of State BOI Link: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/boireport.html

Coming up:

• Shopping Under the Stars, 12.05, 12.12 & 12.19: The Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn presents "Shopping under the Stars and Luminary Walk" on Thursdays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th. Enjoy late-night shopping with festive carolers from the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale and Village Vocal Chords. Discover decorated storefronts, twinkling holiday lights, and seasonal dining. Hot chocolate served at the @properties building (515 Crescent), with Santa available for photos from 5-8pm.
• ID Holiday Party, 12.12: Join us for an evening of festive cheer! Enjoy beverages, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and great company. Significant others are welcome. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to join in the celebration. 
• Member Meetup, 12.18: Join us for our final Member Meetup of the year! Featuring Avi Dear from IdeaGens as our Member Spotlight and Christine Kickels from the COD Library as our Member Resource. 
• WGN Broadcast, 12.18: Join us for the upcoming episode of "Your Money Matters" with Jon Hansen, airing at 6:30 PM. This month's segment features HACIA Executive Director Jackie Gomez and Construction Owner-2-CEO alumni, alongside Innovation DuPage Managing Director Dan Facchini. The discussion will explore the dynamic partnership between HACIA and Innovation DuPage, with a special focus on the innovative Construction Owner-2-CEO program.

Sign up to present at a Spring 2025 Member Meetup 
Showcase your business at a Member Meetup! We're looking for members to present as our Member Spotlight, ID Member Resource, or host a Problem Solving session. This is your chance to present your work, share your achievements, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Sign up here, under the Spring tab as our Fall spots are filled.

Let us help you share your success with the ID community!
Share a win from this week – big or small. It could be featured in our next letter! Email your accomplishment to: IDmaceyh@innovationdupage.org

Reminder: Innovation DuPage is open for members as a coworking space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Happy Holidays! 
ID Staff will be out of the office from December 20, 2024, through January 2, 2025.

Many thanks, and have a great week,

Dan Facchini,
Managing Director,
Innovation DuPage