Peoria is ranked the FIFTH
best midsized city in the U.S. to launch a small business, according to CNN
Money. The recently released article highlights the growth of Peoria's small
business sector even during the bad economy. The article explains how
more than 100 businesses have graduated from startup mode this year in
industries including agriculture, medical device development, and the
support-services sector.
Kyle Ham President/CEO of Peoria NEXT says this news helps
catapult our efforts to make Peoria a destination for entrepreneurs.
“This shows the country that the Peoria area is moving forward in creating a
climate for small start up businesses and entrepreneurship and we are a place
where startup businesses can easily get connected to the resources needed to
advance.”
The CNN Money article also touts the areas affordable
housing and commercial real estate and the collaborative effort to create a
culture where entrepreneurism can thrive. Kip McCoy, VP/COO The Heartland
Partnership and managing director of the Central Illinois Angels says there is
a definitely a collaborative spirit in this region to help small business get
started and the Central Illinois Angels are a part of it. “We’ve seen 47
individuals step up to be members of this group that will help fund potentially
high growth companies in Central Illinois and beyond. This proves our
commitment to helping businesses succeed in this region.”
The article acknowledges organizations, such as The Heartland Partnership, the
Central Illinois Angels and regional economic development centers that help
small businesses. Sally Hanley, Director of Business Development for the
Economic Development Council for Central Illinois says starting a business can
be overwhelming but the EDC tries to make it easier by creating a one stop shop
for them. “We administer and facilitate financial resources ranging from
low interest loans to equity financing for small businesses. We have a
variety of resources beyond the financing sector to help new businesses get up
and running.”
We rank 15th in the overall best city in the U.S.
to launch a small business regardless of population. Click
here to read the entire CNN Money article on Best Places to Launch a Small
Business and to see who else ranks on the list. Be sure to visit www.heartlandpartnership.org to
see all of the resources this family of companies offers to those looking to
start a new business in this region.
