peoria innovation alliance — Accolades

2020 Small Business Advocate of the Year - Jake Hamann, Peoria Innovation Alliance

As executive director of the Alliance, Hamann works in collaboration with a wide range of individuals, organizations and institutions dedicated to connecting entrepreneurial efforts across the community. “Our goal is to maintain visibility, tear down silos, and be the glue that binds the various components of the ecosystem together,” he explains. Facilitated by a diverse board of directors, the Alliance has played a key role in numerous initiatives over the past year, including the creation of a downtown Innovation District and the initial planning and branding of Distillery Labs, the world-class innovation and entrepreneurial center under development in downtown Peoria.

Jake HamannSeptember 1, 2020entrepreneurship, peoria innovation alliance, startups, innovationComment

It's Time To Change The Narrative

A new initiative aims to reposition the region through the renewed celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and startup activity.

Innovation is a popular word these days. Every community strives to be driven by an innovative spirit, but innovation is not a switch one can turn on and off. It is deeply rooted in who you are, what drives you and what your vision is for the future. Innovation sets Peoria apart, although that may not be obvious to the outside world—and is often not even recognized in our own backyard.

Personal, Startup Peoria, PeoriaJake HamannMay 11, 2019innovation, startups, peoria innovation alliance, entrepreneurship