EnterpriseU Kickoff

Kankakee County Launches 2017 EnterpriseU Program with February 8 Kickoff Session


 
KANKAKEE, IL – January 19, 2017 – Planning is well underway for the 6th Annual EnterpriseU Entrepreneurs Boot Camp & Business Plan Competition, which kicks off with a public information session on Wednesday, February 8, 2017! 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 is now spearheaded by the Business & Entrepreneurial Development Committee of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, which has representation from the Economic Alliance, KCC, LinkPoint Media, Olivet Nazarene University, and Catalyst.  Programming questions should be directed toward Chamber President and CEO, Barbara Brewer-Watson, 815.351.9068,        
bwatson@kankakeecountychamber.com.
 
Some key points about the EnterpriseU 2017 program:
 
·         EnterpriseU 2017 is open to startup businesses that have been registered for one year or less.
·         Application fee is $25 per business entry and $15 for students who wish to participate.  For students who want to register please contact the Chamber office for assistance.
·         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 16 (application deadline) to June1 (competition finals).
·         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 February 8 public information session will be held at Kankakee Public Library Fourth floor, beginning with a press briefing at 5:00 p.m. and a prospective contestant briefing and Q&A session at 5:30 p.m. All who are interested in participating in EnterpriseU 2017 are invited and encouraged to attend.
 
EnterpriseU 2017 sponsors include the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, Kankakee Community College, the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, Olivet Nazarene University, Catalyst, LinkPoint Media and The Daily Journal. Cash prize, in-kind professional service and office space sponsorships for EnterpriseU 2017 will be accepted through Thursday, February 16. Contact Barbara Brewer-Watson, 815.351.9068, bwatson@kankakeecountychamber.com for details.