Member Opportunities: 

Seeking Clean Tech Companies!
Innovation DuPage is actively looking for startups and small businesses working in the clean energy or clean technology industry - or referrals to companies that could benefit from our targeted support.

With support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, ID is launching its new Clean Energy Incubator Program. Focused on growing companies in the clean energy industry, this initiative builds on our six-year track record of supporting over 400 businesses across the region.

Program participants receive:

• Complimentary premium membership
• Individual advising, cohort-based training, and specialized workshops
• Connections to funding opportunities, industry experts, and subsidized interns

Click here to learn more, or if you or someone in your network is working in this space, we encourage you to connect with Bill Payne, Director, Clean Energy Incubator Program.

NIU MBA Capstone Program: One More Spot Left! 
Northern Illinois University's MBA Capstone Program offers an exciting opportunity for local companies to receive comprehensive strategic business plans developed by Executive MBA student teams. Under the guidance of Professor Ed Buckley, these teams integrate their expertise in sales, marketing, finance, operations, and technology to create value for participating organizations. If your company is interested in having an MBA team develop a business plan, please contact Ed Buckley at ed.buckley@allqualityinc.com or (847) 778-6960.

Special Thanks:

Thank you to Melissa Villaneuva
Special thanks goes out to Melissa Villanueva, CEO and Founder of Brewpoint Coffee, as she steps away from her role with Innovation DuPage to pursue her candidacy for DuPage County Board, District 1. 

Melissa’s impactful service as Entrepreneur in Residence over the past two years supported our members in securing over $1 million in grant funding and provided valuable mentorship, as she continued to lead large-scale community events for entrepreneurs and small business leaders - most notably, Makers + Shakers, which Innovation DuPage has proudly supported every year since its inception 6 years ago. 

She and Brewpoint Coffee will continue to be valued members of our vibrant community of entrepreneurs at Innovation DuPage.

Thank You to Our Member Meetup Speakers
Thank you to James Ratke of Trusty Home Care and Monica Hernandez from the International Trade Center for their presentations at our previous Member Meetup. James shared how he created a specialized aging-in-place service and highlighted how Trusty Home Care helps seniors age safely and independently in their homes through regular maintenance and home modifications tailored to their abilities. Attendees also heard from Monica, Program Manager for the International Trade Center, who presented on Exporting for Small Businesses and highlighted how the International Trade Center helps local companies with international trade opportunities, while the broader Business Development Center (located upstairs from Innovation DuPage) offers various business support resources.

Coming up:

• Member Meetup, 08.20: Mark your calendars for our next Member Meetup featuring Jamie Revell, President of W3 Body, as our Member Spotlight, and Dan Facchini and Hannah Macey as our Member Resource.
• ID Workshop: The Certification Process, 08.13: Join us on August 13 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. for a workshop on small business contracting certifications with Dr. Ileen Kelly from Illinois APEX at the Business Development Center at College of DuPage. Learn which certification is right for your business and navigate set-aside programs for women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and economically disadvantaged businesses. Dr. Kelly will cover eligibility requirements, application processes, and how to leverage certifications to win government contracts. As always, our workshops are free and open to the public. Register here.

• InspiHER Experience, 08.20: Join InspiHER for their first InspiHER Experience, a heart-centered gathering focused on planting purpose, nurturing vision, and growing with intention in life and business. Featured guest Maren Oslac, Co-Founder of The Soulful Leader Podcast, will lead a session on "Rooted in Intention: Getting Beyond the Drama to Grow What Truly Matters," exploring soulful entrepreneurship and helping attendees reconnect with their inner knowing. The event includes a plant propagation party, InspiHER's mini-marketplace featuring women-owned businesses, and light refreshments. To learn more and register, click here. 

Sign up to present at an upcoming 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.

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 Hannah Macey.

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