Would you ever think to compare Peoria’s local business climate to that of Silicon Valley? It is becoming more of a reality as local non-profit Startup Peoria is leading the movement for high growth startup companies to be born here in central Illinois – and now they’re taking that movement to the national stage.

Startup Peoria Co-Founder, Jake Hamann has been named as a Regional Champion for Illinois within Startup America, a White House initiative designed to celebrate, inspire and accelerate high growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. Hamann has been invited to represent Startup Peoria at the Startup America Summit in Phoenix, AZ next week (April 15 – 17).

Startup America CEO Scott Case says, “America’s story has been forged in large part by
entrepreneurs who have against great odds created innovative products and services that have changed the world and created millions of jobs. Our nation once again looks to these creative risk takers to unleash the next wave of American innovation.”

Hamann explains why it’s important for Peoria to be represented at this summit; “Peoria has the talent, interest and resources needed to become a hub for high growth startup companies.

Attending the conference next week allows us to gain national support for the efforts happening right here in the Peoria area.”

Peoria area entrepreneurs can get involved in the Startup Peoria movement and help grow the entrepreneurial business climate in central Illinois. Startup Peoria hosts weekly and monthly meet up events that are listed online at StartupPeoria.com.