'Dream big' about future growth
The following is a guest column written by Robert Kerr, executive director of innovation and opportunity at the University of Illinois Springfield, that was published by the Illinois Times on Aug. 31, 2023.
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Coffee + Community (iSPI Members)
About the Event
On Wednesdays, we network [not the boring kind, the fun kind]. We sip beverages. We talk about our wins and challenges. We sometimes do activities. We sometimes tell stories or create playlists. We always leave happy we came.
Coffee and Community is that standing weekly check-in that you can always count on. It's a casual opportunity, so there's no pressure to prepare anything. You're invited! Every Wednesday morning at 9 AM at Innovate Springfield.
Webinar: Hiring with a Marketing Approach (SBE)
About the Event
Gone are the days you could throw an ad in the newspaper or hang a "help wanted" sign in the window and expect qualified, eager job seekers to walk through the door. Today, it's a job seeker market. If you want to attract the best, you have to be the best. Join Alicia Bowers, with ApplicantPro, as she dives into a different approach to hiring. An approach sure to set you apart from the rest. Hiring is Marketing.
Webinar: Own Nothing, Control Everything Business Organization (SBE)
About the Event
If your business is an LLC or an S-corp, you're leaving money on the table for the IRS, AND leaving your assets vulnerable. Join Ron Haycock, Sr. Management Accountant, as he shows you how to use tools that the U.S. Government set up for you to both minimize what you pay in taxes, and to protect your assets in ways you may have never dreamed. You don't want to miss this!
Webinar: Brand Clarity - Make Your Marketing Easy & Effective (SCORE)
About the Event
Find out why branding is relevant for everyone to stand out and survive as an entrepreneur. Understand the steps to the brand strategy process and why you shouldn't spend a dime on marketing until you get brand clarity.
This step-by-step guide to the inside-out branding clarity process will give you:
Webinar: Safety and Risk Management…Protect Your Business and People (SCORE)
About the Event
In this interactive workshop, attendees will gain an introduction to risk management and recognizing hazards, resources to protect their interests and mitigate risk and ideas to kick-start their risk management program.
In addition, attendees will work through 3 types of workplace scenarios (restaurant, construction and office) to discover how to practically apply the knowledge and resources and plan the next steps.
Some of the topics that will be covered include:
Webinar: Small Business Boot Camp (Hosted by Small Business Majority)
About the Event
Please join Small Business Majority for an interactive webinar where we will discuss how to plan for a thriving business.
This two-hour training will help business owners understand the foundations of business planning and provide tools to help create a business plan. This comprehensive overview will teach entrepreneurs how to create a start-up business plan, manage business and personal credit, and find funding.
Those who complete the boot camp will be accepted into the GROW/PROGRESANDO class beginning October 4, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Ben Hage named director of UIS’ downtown business incubator Innovate Springfield
Ben Hage (also known as Nabih Elhajj) has been named director of Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator located in downtown Springfield. He is a leader in entrepreneurship, leadership development and business education.
AM Springfield interview on the future UIS Innovation Center
University of Illinois Springfield Executive Director of Innovation and Opportunity Robert Kerr was on Sports Radio 1450's AM Springfield with Sam Madonia to talk about the future UIS Innovation Center on July 31, 2023.
Robert Kerr to lead the development of the new UIS Innovation Center in downtown Springfield
Robert Kerr of Springfield will lead the development of the new University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center in downtown Springfield as executive director of innovation and opportunity. His appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2023. Kerr is a leader with more than 20 years of experience in economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship.