Entrepreneurs

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of programs and services specifically for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses. The Chamber encourages small businesses to join and participate in Chamber events. These programs are great opportunities to learn more about topics important to you and to meet other small business owners and make valuable connections.

Click on the links below for more information on Chamber programs.

NOVUS Entrepreneur Network
CEO Rountables
Networking Opportunities

Peoria NEXT
Even in difficult economic climates, opportunity is abundant in the entrepreneurial world.  Nowhere is this more evident than in Peoria, Illinois where the Heartland Partnership family of companies is taking the lead to create a culture of entrepreneurialism. 

Central Illinois isn’t generally one of the first places people think of when it comes to regions ripe with opportunities for entrepreneurs, but that is changing.  There is a collaborative regional effort to create a culture of entrepreneurism here.

The Central Illinois area is blessed with a number of research engine assets that allow for a large amount of innovation and entrepreneurship.  Just consider the collaborating partners of Peoria NEXT; they are a mix of public, private and educational institutions, all with a stake in creating a vibrant entrepreneurial culture.  

 
• Caterpillar Inc.
• National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR)
• University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOM-P)
• Bradley University
• Illinois Central College
• The Heartland Partnership
• Ameren CILCO
• Methodist Medical Center
• OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
• The National City Bank
• Peoria Public Schools
• Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation (BRDC)
 

Oftentimes, one of the biggest hurdles for a start-up company is finding capital.  The Heartland Capital Network and Peoria NEXT create funding streams for startup companies through new venture funds and angel investing.  The Heartland Partnership family of companies helps facilitate relationships between investors and entrepreneurs that will benefit both. 

We are able to connect start up businesses them with resources and smart solutions.  We bring likeminded people together and provide a venue for them to grow their innovations.  We are working hard to create a much more diversified regional economy and turn the region into a desired location for new businesses.