Hardtech & Deeptech Innovator Co-Working Day with State of Illinois DCEO Information Session

Join mHUB, CRI, and other incubators/accelerators for an Information Session/Q&A with State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) representatives on State programs to support entrepreneurs. The session will include an overview of State programs including capital access and funding, trade and export strategy support, and government contracting assistance. Throughout the day there will be time to network with DCEO representatives and other HardTech and DeepTech entrepreneurs and startups.

Agenda 

9:30am      mHUB Welcome

9:40am      DCEO Welcome / Overview

• Kristi Dula | Director, Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology at DCEO

Navigating State Capital Resources for Business Growth

Learn about the State of Illinois’ new venture capital program and diverse grant opportunities designed to support and propel businesses forward.

10:00am    Capital Catalyst

• Donna Yuen | INVENT Manager, DCEO

10:40am    Amplifying Research & Development

• Jamie Gladfelter | Emerging Tech Manager, DCEO

11:00am    Collaborative Research

• Colleen Egan | President & CEO, Illinois Science & Technology Coalition

11:15am    Maximizing Federal Opportunities

• Chad Phillips | Federal Policy Manager, DCEO

11:30am    Made in Illinois

• Kristy Johns | VP of Marketing, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)

12:00pm    Lunch Break

Mastering International Trade and Export Strategies

Explore strategies to bolster your business's resilience by broadening market reach, amplifying sales potential, diversifying customer bases, venturing into new markets, and mitigating dependence on a single economy.

12:45pm    Export Excellence

• Lauro Arias | Assistant Director, Office of Trade and Investment at DCEO

1:05pm      Global Ventures Unveiled

• Soraya Hernandez | Director, Illinois International Trade Center at WBDC

Empowering Businesses through Contracting Opportunities

Discover pathways to establish stable revenue streams, tap into expansive customer bases, cultivate credibility, and gain valuable experience.

1:25pm      Strategic Synergies

• Moderator:
  • Ericka White | Illinois Small Business Development Center State Director, DCEO
• Panelists:
  • Ryan Whelan | Midwest Founder & Portfolio Director, U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
  • Darryl Thomas | Illinois APEX Accelerator State Director, DCEO
    

2:15pm      Co-Working