Kankakee County Launches 2016 EnterpriseU Program with January 28 Public Information Session
KANKAKEE, IL – January 12, 2016 – Planning is well underway for the 5th Annual EnterpriseU Entrepreneurs Boot Camp & Business Plan Competition, which kicks off with a public information session on Thursday, January 28! EnterpriseU is a robust small business development program that provides business plan mentoring and development services, free small business coursework at the Small Business Development Center at Kankakee Community College, professional networking opportunities and prize package eligibility to startups that commit to siting in Kankakee County.
Previous program winners and participants include Align Yoga, Crème of the Crop, Carlile Architects, Geek Speak, BC Systems, Spice Done Right, The Pie Ladye and Fit Body U.
Sponsored since its inception by KCC, the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County and the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, the project this year is being spearheaded by the Business & Entrepreneurial Development Committee of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, which has representation from the Economic Alliance, KCC SBDC, Olivet Nazarene University and Catalyst Innovation Center. Programming questions should be directed toward Chamber Executive Director Barbara Brewer-Watson, 815.351.9068, bwatson@kankakeecountychamber.com.
Some key points about the EnterpriseU 2016 program:
• EnterpriseU 2016 is open to startup businesses that have been registered for one year or less.
• Application fee is $50 per business entry.
• Targeted businesses will continue to be those that fall into the categories of Hospitality; Health & Wellness; Technology & Manufacturing; Business & Professional Services; and Retail.
• The program will run from February 19 (application deadline) to April 21 (competition finals) to better accommodate the schedules of student contestants.
• Finalists will be eligible for one of three prize packages that include startup capital, rent-free office/storefront space, and a suite of business and professional services.
The January 28 public information session will be held at Kankakee Community College’s North Extension Center, 450 N. Kinzie in Bradley, beginning with a press briefing at 4:30 p.m. and a prospective contestant briefing and Q&A session at 5:30 p.m. All who are interested in participating in EnterpriseU 2016 are invited and encouraged to attend.
EnterpriseU 2016 sponsors include the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Kankakee Community College, the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, Olivet Nazarene University’s Catalyst Innovation Center, LinkPoint Media and The Daily Journal. Cash prize, in-kind professional service and office space sponsorships for EnterpriseU 2016 will be accepted through Friday, January 22. Contact Barbara Brewer-Watson, 815.351.9068, bwatson@kankakeecountychamber.com for details.
The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit incorporated group serving the Aroma Park, Bourbonnais, Bradley and Kankakee areas .The KCCC unites businesses small and large, creating a central agency to improve prosperity and build a better community through networking, cooperative marketing and legislative advocacy. Visit the KCCC at 200 E. Court St., Suite 710, Kankakee, IL 60901, online at kankakeecountychamber.com. Phone 815.351.9068. Email info@kankakeecountychamber.com.
