September 2026

Skill Share: Storytelling, PR, AI and Customer Service

On Tuesday, September 22, Innovate Springfield, the Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois and Illinois Local hosted a Small Business Skill Share, sponsored by Growth Corp, to a full room of local business owners. Stacey Skrysak of NewsChannel 20 / WICS-TV opened with brand storytelling and building trust. Gemma Long of Gem PR and Media and Illinois Local followed with how to turn your story into visibility through PR and media. Daniel Reifenberger of Loyal Tribe covered practical AI tools and simple systems for running a business, and Mylas Copeland of Green Family Stores closed with customer service as a growth strategy. Kevin Lust, Director of the Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois, moderated a panel Q&A. NewsChannel 20 covered the event.

Missed it? Programs and presentations from the Skill Share series are available at cisbdc.com/resources.

August to September 29, 2026

Angel Flight School: 2nd Cohort

The second cohort of Angel Flight School wrapped up after eight weeks of intensive early-stage investing education. Since kicking off in August, participants worked through valuation, cap tables, dilution, due diligence, and investment strategy, the full picture of what it takes to invest in startups. Their final session was Tuesday, September 29th, and the cohort celebrated their graduation the very next day, Wednesday September 30th in Champaign during Founders Week. Congratulations to everyone who completed the program.

Interested in joining the next Angel Flight School cohort? Let us know and we will keep you in the loop.

August to Present

Sangamon CEO: New Cohort Underway

The Sangamon CEO Class of 2027, 45 students from 9 schools led by instructors Rich Johnson and Victoria Ehiagwina, hit the ground running this fall. Students launched their first business, a name badge project sponsored by Bank of Springfield, Springfield Clinic, O'Shea Builders, Brandt and Isringhausen and printed by Solution Printing. They heard from guest speakers Lacy Glenn, Quinn Matthews and Ben Turner, visited Jubilee Farm with Bruce, Chris and Ken Sommer, and have started choosing their next class business. We look forward to seeing what this cohort builds.

Sangamon CEO Students Attend Illinois Women in Leadership

Thanks to United Community Bank, three Sangamon CEO students attended the Illinois Women in Leadership conference in Springfield, where they heard from women leaders across the state and connected with exhibitors. Thank you to United Community Bank and Illinois Women in Leadership for this opportunity!

Coming Soon

Startup Roadmap Is Coming Back

Inspired by Beverly's story? Startup Roadmap, led by Bruce Sommer, is coming back. The program walks you through the fundamentals of starting and growing a business from validating your idea to understanding finances, marketing, and operations. Whether you are just starting out or already have something going, this is the class that helps you turn it into something real. More details are on the way.

Interested? Let us know. We would love to have you.

Now Hiring

Executive Director, Innovation and Opportunity

UIS is hiring an Executive Director of Innovation and Opportunity to lead Innovate Springfield and drive innovation and economic development across the region. The role oversees business incubation, applied innovation, professional education and workforce development, the student talent pipeline, and emerging technology programming, working closely with UIS, local industry, government partners and the Illinois Innovation Network. The position is open until filled. Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this with them.

Opportunity for UIS Students

Connect with 1871: Chicago's Leading Innovation Hub

Through the Illinois Innovation Network, UIS students now have access to 1871, one of the Midwest's largest and most respected innovation ecosystems. Founded in 2012, 1871 is a Chicago-based nonprofit hub that has helped create more than 18,700 jobs, supported over 300 startups, and facilitated $6.2 billion in venture capital raised by its community.

Here is what is available to you as a UIS student:

Note: Participants must register with 1871 through the IIN membership to access benefits. Certain programs may require registration, recommendation, or selection and are subject to availability.

Interested in getting connected? Reach out to Diana Lopez-Obaldo at diana@1871.com to learn more.

Become an Innovate Springfield Member

Whether you are launching a startup, growing a small business, or still shaping an idea, Innovate Springfield is a place to do the work alongside people doing the same. Members get professional coworking space in downtown Springfield, free parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, printing and mail service, unlimited conference room access, free workshops and networking events, discounted access to programs like Startup Roadmap and Angel Flight School, and team discounts of 30 to 40% for additional team members. No commitment. We will follow up with details and next steps.