New ID Board Member!
Innovation DuPage is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jennifer Cumpston to our Board of Directors. As the Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at College of DuPage, Jennifer leads a dynamic team dedicated to advancing educational excellence. Her distinguished career is marked by numerous accolades, including the 2023 League for Innovation Excellence Award, and she brings expertise in driving innovation and fostering inclusive institutional cultures. With a passion for expanding STEM opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups, Jennifer's leadership will be instrumental in furthering Innovation DuPage's mission.

Much Appreciated:
Thank you to our Member Meetup presenters last week: Brenda Bickett of Local Glass Studio and Jeannie McGrory from WGN Radio. Attendees discovered the exciting opportunities at Local Glass Studio, which opens its expanded location this Friday, October 4th. The studio offers classes for all skill levels, open studio time, and specialized facilities including flame-working torches, kilns, and a coldworking room - perfect for classes, parties, or professional development. They also provide expert glass repair services and accept custom commissions. WGN Radio, a valuable marketing partner for Innovation DuPage over the past three years, continues to showcase our member companies to wider audiences. We're grateful for both presentations and the insights they brought to our community! You can always access our presentations here.

NIU MBA Capstone Program:
Innovation DuPage is once again partnered with Northern Illinois University for its MBA Capstone program. The program has helped several ID businesses in the past with formalized, comprehensive Business Plans developed by 4-6 MBA students. The current program begins October 21st, and there is an open slot available for a qualified ID company to participate. Please contact Dan Facchini or Ed Buckley from NIU directly at (847)778-6960.

NaperLaunch Academy: Growing a Business:
During this 4-week series, attendees will learn the basics of writing a business plan and a strategic marketing plan with the help of some library resources specifically designed for this purpose. They will also learn six fundamental professional selling skills and how to use them in sales transactions. Participants are expected to attend all four sessions and complete homework assignments outside of class. Spots are limited, register here by October 30th. 

Coming Up: 

• Member Meetup, 10.16: Join us at our upcoming Member Meetup featuring an exciting collaboration showcase. Efrain Aguilar and Ricardo Ramirez of Artstition and Chip Borkowski of Veuit will be our Member Spotlight, presenting a case study of their joint accomplishments. Additionally, Mike Varon, Innovation DuPage's Strategic Business Advisor, will lead an interactive Problem Solving Session. This is your chance to get expert advice on your business challenges. To make the most of this opportunity, submit your business-related questions or issues to IDmaceyh@innovationdupage.org by October 14th at 3:00 pm.
• Makers and Shakers, 10.17: Makers & Shakers 2024: Rewriting Our Narrative, scheduled for October 17th, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Brewpoint Craft Elmhurst, is an event for women and minority business owners in the Chicagoland area. Hosted by Melissa Villanueva of Brewpoint Coffee, it features speakers Melissa Villanueva, Pablo Torres Jr (Pablo Wealth Talks), and Angela R. Howard (Call for Culture). The event offers networking, resources, and insights for diverse entrepreneurs, with attendance limited to 150. To secure your spot, click here. 
• You Can Create Disney Magic Too, 10.17: Elmhurst University is hosting Lee Cockerell, former Disney executive, on October 17th for a series of events: a Small Business Accelerator Workshop (2:30 pm), VIP Reception (5:00 pm), and Keynote talk (7:00 pm). Lee will share insights on leadership and scaling operations from his 30-year experience. The all-inclusive package costs $200 and includes networking opportunities and Lee's small business toolkit. The events will take place at the Historic Wilder Mansion and Elmhurst University Frick Center Founders Lounge. To register, click here. 
• Elmhurst Pitch Competition, 10.17: The E-celerator Bluejay Tank pitch competition is set for October 17th at 4:30 pm in the Mill Theatre. Student entrepreneurs will present innovative business ideas to real-world judges, competing for $3,000 in prizes. Attendance is free, and we encourage our members to support these young innovators as they present their business ideas. 
• Women in Business Expo, 10.22: The Wheaton Chamber of Commerce invites you to an engaging Women in Business event, hosted at the College of DuPage Student Resource Center. Learn about love-led leadership with keynote speaker Nicki Anderson, gain insights from a panel on relationship-driven business growth, and network with fellow professionals. Plus, your chance to win a 6-month LinkedIn Premium Membership! Don't miss this evening of empowerment and connections, register here. 
• Buyers Persona Workshop, 10.23: Join us at Innovation DuPage from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm for a workshop focusing on Buyers' Personas, presented by expert Ron Farnum of Forge Brandworks. Discover what they are, why they're crucial, and how to identify your target audience. Ron will share his expertise on crafting these custom profiles, revealing how understanding your key demographics can significantly boost your revenue. Learn practical strategies to enhance your marketing and drive business growth in this valuable session. To secure your spot, click here. 
• Midwest Innovation and Entrepreneurial Summit, 11.13:  The Midwest is renowned for its enterprising spirit, with a rich history of innovation dating back to the 1893 World's Fair. This all-day summit celebrates the entrepreneurial drive that has made greater Chicagoland a hub of innovation. The event will provide resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcase success stories of Midwest entrepreneurs, and help educators integrate entrepreneurship into their curriculum. It will also facilitate connections between funders, partners, and the growing suburban incubation/acceleration movement led by Innovation DuPage. Harness the Midwest's ability to "get things done" and empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. To secure your spot, click here.

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!

Many thanks, and have a great week,

Dan Facchini,
Managing Director,
Innovation DuPage