Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

Turner Center for Entrepreneurship Your team of experts helping businesses start, grow and innovate in Central Illinois.

What could your business accomplish if your employees understood the numbers, saw how their work impacted the bottom lin...
09/02/2026

What could your business accomplish if your employees understood the numbers, saw how their work impacted the bottom line, and started thinking more like owners?

Join us for "People. Profit. Performance.", a 90-minute workshop introducing the proven principles of "The Great Game of Business®" and how they can help create a more engaged, informed, and invested workforce.

📅 Tuesday, September 22, 2026
⏰ 9:00–10:30 AM
📍 Peoria NEXT Innovation Center

Learn how businesses can use financial transparency and employee involvement to:
✔ Create stronger employee engagement and accountability
✔ Help employees understand how their decisions impact business results
✔ Improve overall business performance
✔ Explore employee ownership models and what they could mean for your company
✔ Build a workplace where everyone has a stake in long-term success

Whether you're looking to strengthen your company culture, improve performance, or explore employee ownership, this workshop will introduce practical strategies for getting your entire team more invested in the success of the business.

Presented by the Illinois Center for Employee Ownership (ILCEO).

There is no cost for this workshop, however, registration is required:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-09-22-people-profit-and-performance

🏆 Who Belongs in the Turner Center Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame?For 25 years, entrepreneurs across Central Illinois hav...
08/27/2026

🏆 Who Belongs in the Turner Center Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame?

For 25 years, entrepreneurs across Central Illinois have taken risks, built businesses, created jobs, strengthened communities, and helped shape our region's economy.

Now it's time to recognize them.

In celebration of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship's 25th Anniversary, we're launching the Turner Center Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame - and we're looking for the entrepreneurs who should be part of its inaugural class.

Think about the business leaders you know. Who built something that lasted? Who helped transform an industry or community? Who took an idea and turned it into a successful business? Who has spent years demonstrating what entrepreneurship in Central Illinois can look like?

We want to hear their stories.

Nominees should have a substantial connection to Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, or Woodford County and have founded, co-founded, acquired, or significantly scaled a business. A minimum of 10 years of entrepreneurial leadership is recommended.

And yes - self-nominations are welcome!

The inaugural inductees will be recognized during the Turner Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration on October 7.

📅 Nomination deadline: September 7, 2026

Help us honor the entrepreneurs whose vision, leadership, and perseverance have made a lasting impact on Central Illinois.

Submit your nomination: https://files.constantcontact.com/3afb4b3a001/6372e58b-69bb-42bb-b7c2-0a48d17be93e.pdf?rdr=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawT5QNJwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXFZc1FNN2FxdTk4amNEZlpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeIVonyoT1tAPUhi1fx_Ku8piTcB3t3Wl7Pp3hDhSL6Y9c9PMJvwkrRP_Scc8_aem_eTpuz12EZYoWPutJ2EEw8g

Have a business idea? Before you invest in it, make sure it makes sense.This Friday, the Illinois SBDC at Bradley Univer...
08/26/2026

Have a business idea? Before you invest in it, make sure it makes sense.

This Friday, the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University is hosting "Before the Business", two hands-on workshops designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs answer some of the most important questions that come *before* launching.

📅 Friday, August 28
📍 Peoria NEXT Innovation Center | 801 W. Main Street, Peoria

Attend one session or join us for both and spend the day building a stronger foundation for your business.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Building Your Founder's Mindset

Before you build the business, take a closer look at the person building it - YOU.

Are you ready for entrepreneurship? What skills and resources do you already have? Where are the gaps? What will starting this business realistically require from you?

This workshop will help you evaluate your goals, skills, support network, resources, potential costs, and overall readiness so you can make more informed decisions about what comes next.

Register:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/sbye6fu

12:30–5:00 PM | Build and Test Your Business Model Canvas

Have an idea you think could become a business? Put it to the test before you invest.

In this hands-on session, you'll work through your business model to:

✔️ Identify your ideal customers
✔️ Clarify the value your business provides
✔️ Explore how the business could generate revenue
✔️ Consider key costs and resources
✔️ Identify gaps and assumptions
✔️ Pressure test your idea before launching

You'll leave with a clearer picture of whether your idea can work - and practical next steps for making it stronger.

Register:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7b643nx

Both workshops are led by Amy Jo Lambert, MSc, Assistant Director of the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University.

You don't have to have everything figured out before starting a business. But the more you understand before you invest your time, money, and energy, the better prepared you'll be to move forward.

Join us this Friday and start with clarity.

You don't have to build a business from the ground up to become a business owner.Franchising can offer a different path ...
08/25/2026

You don't have to build a business from the ground up to become a business owner.

Franchising can offer a different path to entrepreneurship - one that comes with an established brand, proven business model, and built-in support. But like any business investment, it's important to understand exactly what you're getting into before you make the leap.

Join the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University for "Buying a Franchise as a Small Business Option", a no-cost Lunch-and-Learn webinar designed to help you explore whether franchise ownership could be the right opportunity for you.

📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom

Franchise expert Ben Terrill, Owner of FranNet of Missouri/Kansas/Illinois/Iowa, will walk you through the questions every prospective franchise owner should consider, including:
✔️ How franchising differs from starting or buying a traditional business
✔️ The potential risks and rewards of franchise ownership
✔️ What makes someone a good franchise candidate
✔️ How to evaluate whether a franchise is a good fit for you and your local market
✔️ Financing options for purchasing a franchise
✔️ How franchises are regulated in the U.S.

If you've been thinking about business ownership but aren't sure starting from scratch is for you, franchising may be an option worth exploring.

Spend your lunch hour learning what you need to know before deciding if this path is right for you.

Register today: https://bradley.zoom.us/meeting/register/UlndhVWGRImBMHlwmemtVQ #/registration

🚨 STARTS TOMORROW: Put AI to Work in Your BusinessYou’ve heard plenty about AI. Now it’s time to learn how to actually u...
08/24/2026

🚨 STARTS TOMORROW: Put AI to Work in Your Business

You’ve heard plenty about AI. Now it’s time to learn how to actually use it.

Join us August 25–28 for a no-cost four-part Grow with Google webinar series featuring Maria Elena Duron, designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs turn AI into a practical everyday business tool.

Over four one-hour sessions, you’ll discover ways AI can help you:
✨ Save time on everyday tasks
✨ Create stronger marketing content
✨ Generate and develop new ideas
✨ Streamline repetitive work
✨ Improve productivity and efficiency
✨ Get more value from tools you may already be using

And you don’t need to be a tech expert to participate.

This series is focused on practical, real-world ways to use AI in your business - with strategies you can start putting into action right away.

📅 August 25–28
🕚 11:00 AM CT
💻 Virtual
💲 No Cost

AI is quickly becoming another essential business tool. Spend just one hour a day for four days learning how to make it work for you.

👉 The series starts tomorrow - register today:
https://theturnercenter.org/events/

Looking for more than just office space?Put your business in the middle of Peoria’s entrepreneurial and innovation commu...
08/21/2026

Looking for more than just office space?

Put your business in the middle of Peoria’s entrepreneurial and innovation community at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center.

Private office suites are currently available, offering approximately 550 square feet of professional workspace - ideal for startups, small businesses, and growing teams. Located just blocks from Bradley University, the USDA Ag Lab, and Downtown Peoria, Peoria NEXT gives you a convenient location along with resources designed to support your business.

Your office includes:
🔹 24/7 secure building access
🔹 High-speed internet and utilities
🔹 Kitchenettes and complimentary coffee
🔹 Free dedicated parking
🔹 Access to conference and meeting rooms
🔹 Daily USPS, FedEx, and UPS carrier service
🔹 Private, secure mailroom and professional business address
🔹 On-site Illinois SBDC Business Advisor support
🔹 A collaborative environment with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators

Not ready for a private office? Peoria NEXT also offers flexible monthly coworking memberships and day passes for remote workers, freelancers, and early-stage entrepreneurs.

Find a workspace where you can work, connect, and grow.

Contact us for current availability and pricing or to schedule a tour: https://www.peorianext.com/contact/

Before the Business: Start with Clarity Before You InvestHave a business idea but aren't sure if you're truly ready to t...
08/20/2026

Before the Business: Start with Clarity Before You Invest

Have a business idea but aren't sure if you're truly ready to turn it into a business? Spend Friday, August 28 building a stronger foundation before investing your time, money, and energy.

The Illinois SBDC at Bradley University is offering two Before the Business workshops at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 801 W. Main Street, Peoria. Attend one workshop or make a day of it and attend both.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Building Your Founder's Mindset
Before the business, there's YOU - and that's where smart founders start. This workshop helps you assess your readiness for entrepreneurship by evaluating your goals, skills, support network, and resources. You'll gain a better understanding of what starting a business really takes, what it could cost, and where you should focus next before committing your time and money.

12:30–5:00 PM | Build and Test Your Business Model Canvas
Once you've considered whether you're ready to become a business owner, take a closer look at whether your idea can actually work as a business. In this hands-on workshop, you'll pressure test your idea, identify your customers, clarify the value you provide, explore potential revenue and costs, identify gaps, and uncover assumptions before you launch. You'll leave with a clearer business model and practical next steps for strengthening your idea.

Both sessions are led by Amy Jo Lambert, MSc, Assistant Director of the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University.

Whether you're still deciding if entrepreneurship is right for you or you're ready to put your business idea to the test, these workshops can help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Friday, August 28
Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
801 W. Main Street, Peoria, IL 61606

Register for Building Your Founder's Mindset:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/sbye6fu

Register for Build and Test Your Business Model Canvas:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7b643nx

🏆 Help Us Make Turner Center History!For 25 years, the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship has supported entrepreneurs wh...
08/19/2026

🏆 Help Us Make Turner Center History!

For 25 years, the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship has supported entrepreneurs who have started, built, and grown businesses throughout Central Illinois. Now, we're preparing to recognize the individuals who have made a lasting impact on our region's entrepreneurial community.

As part of our 25th Anniversary Celebration on October 7, we're proud to launch the Turner Center Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame and introduce its very first class of inductees!

Do you know an entrepreneur whose accomplishments deserve to be recognized? Nominate them - or nominate yourself!

Eligible nominees should have founded, co-founded, acquired, or significantly scaled a business and have a substantial connection to Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, or Woodford County. A minimum of 10 years of entrepreneurial leadership is recommended. Nominees should also demonstrate a record of ethical business conduct and be willing to provide supporting documentation and references.

Help us recognize the entrepreneurs whose leadership, vision, and hard work have helped shape Central Illinois - and be part of the inaugural Turner Center Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Nominations close September 7, 2026. Submit a nomination today: https://files.constantcontact.com/3afb4b3a001/6372e58b-69bb-42bb-b7c2-0a48d17be93e.pdf?rdr=true

Don't Get Left Behind: AI is changing the way businesses operate - and the businesses learning how to use it now are gai...
08/13/2026

Don't Get Left Behind: AI is changing the way businesses operate - and the businesses learning how to use it now are gaining an advantage.

Small businesses are already using AI to save time, reduce costs, create better marketing, streamline everyday tasks, generate new ideas, and better serve their customers.

The question isn't whether AI is here to stay... it's whether your business is ready to take advantage of it.

Join us for a four-part Grow with Google webinar series featuring Maria Elena Duron and discover practical ways to put AI to work in your business, without needing to be a tech expert.

This isn't theory or hype. It's real-world, hands-on training designed specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to work smarter, become more efficient, and stay competitive as AI continues to reshape the business landscape.

You'll learn practical AI skills and strategies you can start using immediately, and discover how tools you may already have access to can help you accomplish more in less time.

📅 August 25–28
💻 Virtual
🕚 11:00 AM CT
There is no cost for this webinar series.

Invest just one hour each day and walk away with new tools, ideas, and strategies that can transform how you work.

AI isn't just for big companies. It's a tool small businesses can start using today.

Register now: https://theturnercenter.org/events/

A Night to Celebrate 25 Years of Impact: Twenty-five years ago, a vision was born to help entrepreneurs succeed.Today, t...
08/12/2026

A Night to Celebrate 25 Years of Impact: Twenty-five years ago, a vision was born to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Today, that vision has helped thousands of small business owners start, grow, and thrive.

On October 7, we invite you to celebrate this incredible milestone during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship.

This special evening will include:
🎉 The 9th Annual Turner Center Small Business Awards
🌟 The inaugural Turner Center for Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame
💼 An Entrepreneurship Showcase featuring inspiring businesses that have been recognized through the years
🤝 Networking with business leaders, entrepreneurs, community partners, and supporters

Join the Turner Center Team, President Stephen Shadid, Bob and Carolyn Turner, and the entrepreneurial community as we honor the remarkable achievements of the past while looking toward an exciting future.

📅 Wednesday, October 7, 2026
🕓 4:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Renaissance Coliseum, Bradley University
📢 Registration: https://theturnercenter.org/event/turner-center-for-entrepreneurship-25th-anniversary-celebration-small-business-awards-ceremony/

Address

Bradley University, Business And Engineering Convergence Center, 1501 W Bradley Avenue, Suite 1130
Peoria, IL
61625

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13096772992

Website

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