Innovate Illinois Competition

12 Companies | 4 Regions | 6-Month Program

Each year, the State of Illinois and DCEO conduct a business plan contest throughout the state. Business plans of high impact, sustainable growth opportunities are reviewed and regional winners throughout the state are chosen in several categories. These regional winners are then submitted to a statewide review board with the winners receiving greater financial grant opportunities, advisory services and presentation opportunities for private investment capital.

INNOVATE Illinois, a six-month program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, was created to recognize innovative, high-growth, small businesses throughout Illinois. The goal of INNOVATE Illinois is to provide revenue-generating businesses throughout Illinois with the assistance and resources to help them take their innovations further and grow their businesses.

2008 Winner
Harrison Harmonicas

Finalist
Balanced IT Solutions

2007 Winners
Color Lab Custom Cosmetics

K.W. Powell

Leading Edge Hydraulics

Finalists
ATRONA Material Testing Laboratories, Inc.

Rockford Geothermal Services Corporation

Spider Company

TREKK Cross-Media

Universal Die Cast

For additional information, please visit the INNOVATE Illinois Web site: www.innovateillinois.org.