State's lucky 13
INNOVATION | Grant money, training for small-business challenge winners
The 13 companies were selected from about 100 companies statewide that submitted applications and business plans. Entrepreneurs from the 13 soon will begin a six-month program that includes mentoring, growth plans, access to sales and capital opportunities, education and peer-to-peer networking. In addition, each participant will receive a $10,000 grant to develop and execute a strategic project and a stipend to travel to three regions throughout the program.
Innovate Illinois is presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and administered with the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
Finalists were selected by a panel of judges from each of Illinois' regional offices based on the strength of their business and the potential economic impact of their innovation.
Four companies were selected in the Chicago region as a result of a tie. For more information on the program, please visit www.INNOVATEIllinois.org.
K.W. Powell & Associates, Rockford. A Web-based, manufacturing sales enabler product to manufacturers that sell through dealer/distributor networks.
Leading Edge Hydraulics, Rockford. Manufacturer of hydraulic tube assemblies and fittings to the off-highway and mobile hydraulics industry.
BrightStar Franchising, Chicago. Medical services aimed at keeping parents and grandparents out of nursing homes.
ClaimForce, Warrenville. A service chain technology company that enables insurance claim professionals to streamline the claims service process.
GoPicnic, Chicago. Foodservice provider to a variety of industries, including airlines, hotels and elementary/high school fundraising.
Neat-Oh! International, Northfield. Maker of ZipBin, one of several children-oriented products that make it fun to be neat.
Professional Swine Management, Carthage. Provides management on all phases of pirj production, including breeding, gestation, farrowing, nursery, finishing and project development.
R Cubed Technologies, Galesburg. A full service technology company providing information technology products and services.
Vision Technology, Champaign. Developer of new types of cameras, usually with previously unavailable features.
Arthur Agency, Carbondale. An interactive advertising agency which combines traditional advertising services with new media services, including Web design, CD-Rom's, DVD's and 3-D animation.
Boon-Docks Equipment, Herrin. Designs and manufactures farm implement solutions unique to the contractor, landscaper, small farmer and hobbyist.
So iLL, Desoto. Producer of a line of indoor and outdoor rock climbing hand and foot grips for artificial rock climbing walls.
For more information, go to www.INNOVATEIllinois.org.