Innovation DuPage

Come join the Innovation DuPage Team! We're looking for a Development Manager to lead our partnership and fundraising efforts. This full-time role will manage our 60+ partner relationships, secure various funding opportunities, and help support our entrepreneurial community. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/grbMQP45

Thanks to Innovation DuPage for having me present the Madak Digital Impact & Strategic Roadmap during their member workshop series. I appreciate those that attended, I hope you received some value to take into your business.

Good news, student entrepreneurs! We've extended the Big Idea Pitch Contest application deadline to March 24, 2025. This is your final chance to apply for the opportunity to pitch your innovative business idea to industry experts and compete for up to $5,000 in prizes. Finalists selected from the application pool will present their ideas live at the pitch event on May 6. Apply today! All it takes is completing the online form and creating a 2-3 minute video about your idea. Apply now at?https://lnkd.in/gH33V-h4?and put your business concept in front of industry experts who can recognize its potential! Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce

Looking for proven strategies to grow your business? Don't miss our workshop this Wednesday with Adam Lejeunekopp, CEO of Madak marketing agency. Join us March 19th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Innovation DuPage as Adam shares the Strategic Roadmap that transformed our own brand guide and website. You'll learn how to build an effective digital presence, identify growth opportunities, and create marketing plans that deliver real ROI. For best results, complete Madak's Digital Impact Assessment before attending:?https://lnkd.in/gCKh2ZbE This workshop is free and open to all. Reserve your spot today:?https://lnkd.in/dBKtAAsc

A big thank you to Lisa Dent for speaking with Dan Facchini, MS, CFRE on Your Money Matters on WGN Radio AM 720 last week! It was fantastic to hear from Ileen Kelly, Ed.M., Ph.D. of The Business Development Center at College of DuPage about their partnership with Innovation DuPage, and how they work together to help small businesses scale. Additionally, ID Member Kevin Flowers of KD Dynamic Solutions LLC shared how participating in both the APEX Accelerator Program and ID’s Owner-2-CEO Business Accelerator Program has significantly impacted his business growth.?Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/gpeK_-s6

?? Great leaders aren’t just skilled—they’re emotionally intelligent. Ever had a boss who dismissed feedback, made impulsive decisions, or struggled to connect with their team? Leaders without emotional intelligence create disengaged teams, low morale, and missed opportunities. Strong leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about understanding people. That’s why I am leading an interactive workshop on Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs. ?? When: April 23, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. ?? Where: Innovation DuPage Learn how to navigate tough conversations, inspire trust, and lead with confidence. RSVP now! ?? https://lnkd.in/gnGrj9mY Who's ready to step up their leadership game? Drop a ?? in the comments if you’ll be there! #EQForLeaders #LeadershipGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #StrongerTeams

Attention student entrepreneurs! With the March 21 deadline fast approaching, don't miss your chance to showcase your most innovative business ideas to industry experts who can help turn them into reality. The Big Idea Pitch Contest connects you with the feedback, resources, and funding to launch your vision. Present your ideas that solve real problems and have growth potential. Whether you're starting with a concept or already developing a startup, we want to see your creativity and business thinking in action. Prizes: - 1st Place: $5,000 - 2nd Place: $4,000 - 3rd Place: $3,000 - All finalists receive Innovation DuPage membership Who Should Apply? Apply on your own or with your business team! Participants must be: - College of DuPage students or recent grads - High school students in DuPage County - Students from Innovation DuPage partner schools Apply by March 21?with an online application form and 2-3 minute video. The eight finalists will be notified on or before April 7. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gC9xvnYf View competition guidelines: https://lnkd.in/g6mSPXCg?for detailed application requirements and judging criteria. Finalists will pitch live on May 6, 5-7 p.m. at College of DuPage. The event is open to the public - bring your classmates, friends and family to support you! They can register to attend here: https://lnkd.in/gspwTdWY

Innovation DuPage's next workshop will feature Adam Lejeunekopp, CEO of Madak marketing agency, sharing his proven Strategic Roadmap for growing businesses. Join us March 19th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Innovation DuPage to learn the same approach that delivered impressive results for our own brand guide and website redesign. You'll discover strategies to build an effective digital presence, uncover growth opportunities, and create data-driven marketing plans with maximum ROI. To get the most from this session, complete Madak's Digital Impact Assessment beforehand:?https://lnkd.in/gCKh2ZbE This workshop is free and open to all. Reserve your spot today:?https://lnkd.in/dBKtAAsc

Want to elevate your business? Hear from Heidy LaFleur, Founder and CEO of Heidy with a Why, Inc. as she talks about the practical skills gained and meaningful connections made throughout the Owner-2-CEO program. Apply here to join our next cohort of small business owners that are ready to take their businesses to the next level.?https://lnkd.in/g9DAgegu

Innovation DuPage?is helping entrepreneurs grow and small businesses reach the next level. Lisa Dent?talks with Ileen Kelly, Ed.M., Ph.D. from The Business Development Center at College of DuPage and Kevin Flowers from Innovation DuPage's 'Owner to CEO' business accelerator program about their experiences.