In the April 2017 edition of the Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois, Julie Shields, director of Millikin University's Center for Entrepreneurship, offered insight into several entrepreneurship and innovation activities taking place in the Decatur, Ill., community.
Among the activities include the Maker Fest where hobbyist, innovators, tinkerers, creators and ideators come together to exhibit and demonstrate their products and passions. This year the Maker Fest will be on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Decatur Civic Center.
Macon Makers (a non-profit group), University of Illinois Extension Office, Children's Museum of Illinois, Millikin University and the Decatur Area Arts Council are all teaming up to bring this event to Decatur.
"In years past there have been homemade drone demonstrations, holograms, instruments fashioned from unique and recycled materials, and a variety of soaps, balms and other personal care items," said Shields.
A Finder's Spring Market will also be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. It is for "Makers, Flippers, and Pickers" to showcase their "finds and flips, vintage and repurposed pieces." The creatives exhibiting this event are part of a growing arts and artisan entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Millikin's Center for Entrepreneurship will also hold an Idea-to-Incubator Competition during Millikin's Celebrations of Scholarship on Friday, April 28.
"Idea-to-Incubator is a complete revamp of Millikin's Center for Entrepreneurship campus-wide business plan competition," said Shields. "The impetus for the change came from observing the models of the Cleantech Incubator program a team of Millikin students participated in over winter break and last year's Food Innovation Challenge held by National Foodworks and Archer Daniels Midland Company."
Participants can pitch their business idea for a chance to win access to Decatur's co-working space or up to $100 towards monthly fees at a co-working space in their hometown. Participants will also receive specialized mentorship, including a lead mentor and up to three additional mentors.
"The Idea-to-Incubator Competition is the kick-off event to select the top teams that will develop their ideas over the summer and pitch again in August for cash and other prizes," said Shields. "Eligible competitors include Millikin students, staff and alumni who have an idea in any of the four tracks – STEM, arts and media, food and beverage, and social ventures."
A diverse set of judges from the area, plus an international component with an entrepreneur and educator from Denmark will be on the judging panel.
For more information on the Idea-to-Incubator Competition, visit millikin.edu/entrepreneurship/idea-incubator-competition.