Happy Independence Day
Innovation DuPage staff will not be present on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. We hope you enjoy a safe and happy holiday!

Free Professional Headshots - This Thursday 
ID member Ervis from Visi Studios is offering complimentary professional headshots to fellow Innovation DuPage members from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. No appointment necessary - simply stop by during those hours to get high-quality headshots for your LinkedIn, website, or marketing materials at no cost. Thank you to Ervis and Visi Studios for giving back to our member community!

Congratulations Owner-2-CEO Graduates!

• Blue Rock Training Center, Inc - Sychar Yebra
• Axiom Media Group - Robb Davidson
• G&M Custom Embroidery LLC - Martha Roman
• Inkprint Custom Apparel LLC - Erik Vidal
• Michelle Gentile Interiors + Home - Michelle Mordis Gentile
• Patch Landscaping & Snow Removal Inc. - Apolinar (Api) Antunez
• W3Body, a Women's Gym - Jamie Revell
• NovintiX Inc. - Muruganandam (Muru) Mani
• BackPocket Agency - Joe Stella
• P.F. Pettibone & Company - Bill Poggensee
• Vagabond School of the Arts - Michael McCracken

Coming up:

• Makers and Shakers: Money Rewritten, 07.17: Join Melissa Villanueva, our Entrepreneur in Residence and CEO of Brewpoint Coffee, for the latest edition of her entrepreneur event series on July 17, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Stage 119 in Elmhurst. This financial-focused event brings together business leaders and expert panelists sharing practical insights on managing finances, scaling your business, and building sustainable growth. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to strengthen your financial foundation, this event offers actionable guidance and valuable networking opportunities. Register here. 
• 2025 Manufacturing Solutions Summit, 07.24: Don't miss the 2025 Manufacturing Solutions Summit on Thursday, July 24, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at College of DuPage's Student Resource Center. Hosted by College of DuPage, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, this event brings together industry experts and business leaders to explore the future of Illinois manufacturing. Connect with professionals, discover growth opportunities, and learn how national labs and academic resources can drive business success. Innovation DuPage is proud to partner with Make It In Illinois and Choose DuPage on this event. Contact Julie Ryan at ryanj864@cod.edu for details. Register here. 

Much Appreciated
Thank you to Sara Spampinato, Founder & CEO of Hooked Products, LLC, for her Member Spotlight presentation and to Meredith Hannah, Economic Development and Communications Director at the Village of Glen Ellyn, for serving as our Member Resource at our recent Member Meetup. Sara shared her entrepreneurial journey from student startup to business success, showcasing her space-saving portable backpack hanger that won first place in our Big Idea Pitch Contest. Meredith discussed the Village's collaborative partnerships with local chambers, Innovation DuPage, and SBDC, and how they assist businesses with site selection and connecting them with commercial real estate professionals for establishing physical locations. She also highlighted available programs that support businesses in developing their storefronts.

Many thanks, and have a great week,

Dan Facchini,
Managing Director,
Innovation DuPage