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Startup Illinois Launches to Accelerate Growth and Inspire Local Entrepreneurs
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At least 100 of the state's up-and-coming entrepreneurs will today celebrate the kick-off of Startup Illinois and the formation of the Illinois Innovation Network, dual efforts to support and accelerate growth of Illinois’ high-growth entrepreneurs.
“Innovation is the key to being competitive in the global marketplace, which is why we must do everything we can to help our businesses develop new and innovative ideas and technologies,” said Governor Quinn. “Given our commitment to fostering innovation and helping businesses grow, it is only fitting that Startup America Partnership chose Illinois as its first Startup region.”
Working with the Startup America Partnership, the private sector alliance celebrating and accelerating entrepreneurs across the country, this state collaboration of mentors, advisors, funders, major corporations, service providers and government organizations is focused on helping entrepreneurs start and scale companies in Illinois in order to foster economic growth and job creation.
“We believe that as a state, Illinois is currently poised to take a leadership position in building and launching the new businesses that will drive the economic future of our country,” said Howard Tullman, Chicago entrepreneur and CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy. “We look forward to working together to create the best possible entrepreneurial ecosystem to start, grow, and expand new innovative businesses.”
Focused on serving young companies with high growth potential, Startup Illinois will deliver strategic resources to Illinois startups and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in order to help build the companies that will ultimately lead to job growth and economic prosperity. Led by the Illinois Innovation Council, an initiative of Governor Pat Quinn, the organization will apply the best practices of the Startup America Partnership to make beneficial and substantive changes to the way the state approaches entrepreneurship and startups.
“Illinois has a strong community of innovators and entrepreneurs. The Illinois Innovation Network is an important strategic priority for our agency and the state in support of promoting and driving economic growth. We’re thrilled to see the broad engagement of local and national businessand community leaders to align public and private resources to this effort,” said Warren Ribley, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. |
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