Peoria NEXT Innovation Center

10/12/2026

Final roll call to register for BoardSERVE.
If you've thought about serving on a Board or Committee, come learn the basics, or share some wisdom!
Wednesday 10/15 at 12:00-1:30 | Peoria Next Innovation Center

BoardSERVE: The Fundamentals of Serving on a Nonprofit Committee or Board of Directors

Learn the basics of what goes into serving on a nonprofit committee or board of directors through our BoardSERVE seminars. Through engaging presentations and conversations, participants will learn about the financial, structural, and strategic components of serving on a nonprofit committee or board.

After completing the seminars, Heart of Illinois United Way will stay connected with participants to connect them with local agencies when opportunities arise.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
* The intent of our BoardSERVE seminar is to equip participants with the knowledge
they need to serve effectively on a nonprofit board or committee. Specific topics
covered include finance, structures, strategy, and types of nonprofit boards. The
session is lecture-based but offers ample opportunities for discussion.
* Through the BoardSERVE seminar, you will participate in dynamic presentations and
conversations designed to prepare you for impactful board service. The skills you
will develop will help you support local nonprofits in creating lasting change.

Location: Peoria Next Innovation Center
Date: October 15, 2026 from 12:00-1:30p
BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch - optional)
*Refreshments will be Provided*

Speakers: Jennifer Zammuto, President of the Heart of Illinois United Way
Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Community Development
Heather Robertson, VP of Resource Development

There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/g2pvbn6

10/12/2026

Congratulations to Stacy Brooks and SKB Cyber!

10/08/2026

Congratulations to the APEX Accelerator at Bradley University! Locally, our APEX center has helped to facilitate millions of dollars in government contracts, small business owner certifications, and cybersecurity training and compliance.

We are excited to celebrate National APEX Day in Illinois!
Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed October 8 as National APEX Day, recognizing the important role APEX Accelerators play in helping businesses successfully compete for federal, state, and local government contracts.

APEX Day is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses we serve and the successes they have achieved through government contracting.

To mark the occasion, join the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center at Bradley University on Oct. 8 at 2:30pm for the webinar, "Beyond Federal: Winning in the SLED Market," hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC.

Learn more by reading the attached proclamation, and register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yGL1NChLT9OHI2esCVM3tA

09/15/2026

One of the Best Markets out there! Vote Now!

The only ranking of America's favorite farmers markets

07/22/2026

06/08/2026

Attention Inventors!
Register for this workshop series from the United States Patent and Trademark Office today! Part 2 of 8 begins on Thursday but you can still register and gain access to the entire series.
Part I: Introduction is available on-demand.

Are you interested in learning about intellectual property (IP) basics? Join this webinar series for "Path to a Patent, Part I: Intellectual property basics" on Thursday, June 4 from 2-3:30 p.m. ET.

In part one of this eight-part recurring series, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts will:
* Provide a brief overview of the different types of IP: patents, trademarks, trade secrets,
and copyrights
* Review the patenting process from invention to application to issuance
* Cover the requirements for patentability
* Explain how to determine whether a provisional or nonprovisional application is right for
you
* Discuss how to weigh the costs and benefits of hiring a patent attorney

This training event is part of a free, virtual eight-part series that covers the patenting process from IP basics, to patent searching, to drafting and filing your patent application. The series runs through December. Presented by the United States Patent & Trademark Office.

Register now: https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/path-patent-part-i-intellectual-property-basics-0?utm_campaign=subscriptioncenter&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

06/08/2026

Excellent Workshop to consider for Business Builders and Employers looking to enhance their workforce skills and experiences. Consider applying!

Building Talent Together: Where Education Meets Economic Impact.

Illinois Central College and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council are partnering to bring high-impact essential skills training to businesses across the Peoria area.

This collaborative training series helps employees strengthen communication, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, and professional confidence.

Invest in your workforce. Strengthen your culture. Build the future of talent in Central Illinois with GPEAK Essential Skill Badges.

Register here: https://campusce.icc.edu/corporate/course/course.aspx?C=5111&pc=342&mc=0&sc=0

06/02/2026

Ag Tech Connect for anybody with a "connection" to agriculture! In Central Illinois, that is All Of Us! You are invited to ALTO Ingredients in Pekin for our next quarterly Ag Tech gathering!

05/21/2026

Thinking about going into business?
Are you ready? Is your family ready? Are you financially prepared?
Come ask these questions and more as we explore business owner readiness with SBDC Assistant Director, Amy Lambert!

Do you want to own a business… or are you truly ready to build one?

Starting a business takes more than a great idea or excitement about being your own boss. It requires mindset, preparation, support, and a realistic understanding of what entrepreneurship actually demands.

That’s why we created our NEW SBDC workshop: Before the Business: Building Your Founder’s Mindset

In this interactive session, you’ll explore:
* Whether you’re truly ready for entrepreneurship
* Your strengths - and the gaps that could hold you back
* The support systems and experts every founder needs
* The realities of business ownership most people overlook
* How to move forward with clarity and confidence

This workshop is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs start with intention, not impulse.

📅 May 27, 2026 | 2:30–5:00 PM
📍 Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 801 W Main St, Peoria, IL

Take the first step toward building a stronger foundation for your future business. Register now: https://theturnercenter.org/event/before-the-business-building-your-founders-mindset/