“We have a strategic plan, it’s called doing things.”

In order to prevail in today’s ever-changing economy, we must treat our community like a startup; taking calculated risks, but being willing to lead with boldness and courage to move into the future and not stay stuck in the past.

Nearly Halfway There...

In late 2012, I was introduced to a book called Startup Communities by Brad Feld. After becoming immersed in each and every concept, example, and story about the transformation that was happening in Boulder, Colorado, I chose to accept Brad’s challenge:

_Commit at least 20 years to building and growing an impactful and successful entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greater Peoria._

Shortly thereafter, an inspiring discussion with Scott Case (CTO of Priceline.com) at a conference in Memphis served as confirmation of my professional mission; ultimately leading to the conception, creation, and launch of Startup Peoria in early 2013.

The Future is Here.

Fast forward to 2021 and after successfully building, growing and exiting a successful local startup (ONEFIRE), renovating and launching the region’s first coworking space (The Nest), bringing various national entrepreneurial programs to Greater Peoria (1 Million Cups, Startup Weekend, Open Coffee Club), concepting a regional entrepreneurship center (Catalyst), serving on the Board of Directors for both the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) & Peoria Downtown Development Corporation, representing the State of Illinois at a national level (Startup America, Startup Champions Network, Right to Start, America‘s New Business Plan), launching a seed funding pitch competition in collaboration with Attollo (KeyStart), transitioning Startup Peoria to become a program of the GPEDC, achieving an unanimous vote from the Peoria City Council to establish an Innovation District in Downtown Peoria, bringing attention to a multitude of startups in Greater Peoria through storytelling efforts; I'm excited to make an even bigger impact in our community – through the growth and expansion of PIA.

Learning from Others.

While entrepreneurial ecosystem development is somewhat of a new profession and an emerging approach to economic development, we don't have to look far to see other communities that have had success in recent years. Most notably is the work being done a little less than 3 hours to our west in a city and region of similar size to Peoria: Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Thanks to the vision and determination of serial entrepreneur Eric Englemann, Cedar Rapids has seen over $40 Million Dollars invested DIRECTLY into the growth of their entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past 5 years through a similar non-profit (**NewBoCo**) and venture studio (**ISA Ventures**).

Through collaborations with regional and state entities, NewBoCo and ISA Ventures have helped usher in a surge of new business starts, significant job growth, and a desirable quality of place; making Cedar Rapids a sought after destination for relocation as indicated by numerous recent rankings and reports.

What’s Next?

I believe Greater Peoria has the same potential as Cedar Rapids, but how do we get there?

Greater Peoria's brightest and most exciting days CAN be right in front of us. However, in order to achieve our full potential as a community we must continue to change our narrative to one of inclusion, optimism, and progress.

As you'll uncover by reading through our Strategic Plan, we are merely laying out how the Peoria Innovation Alliance aims to play our part in seeing our region achieve its full potential.

However, it will take all ships rowing in the same direction to see the kind of impact necessary to sustain meaningful change for our entire community, not just a select few.

Are you up for the challenge?

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