Additional Information About IEN
Experts, networks, tools and other opportunities transform your business into an appealing investment for lenders. That's where success begins. The
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network (IEN) partners with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a high-growth enterprise. Whether your company employs two people or 102, IEN can help you.
The IEN is composed of several agencies designed to deliver specific services to your business, and is coordinated by the
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The Illinois Entrepreneurship Centers are the hallmark of the IEN network. Regional offices specialize in assisting companies with high growth potential. ECs accelerate entrepreneurial ventures by helping businesses connect with resources and funding, patents and products, money and markets. These centers work in partnership with trusted, well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions to help entrepreneurs achieve high growth.
If you have a company with high-growth potential and are looking for product development and marketing assistance, then Entrepreneurship Centers (EC) are for you.
Illini Entrepreneurship Center
For businesses in central Illinois, the Illini Entrepreneurship Center is provided by the
Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the
University of Illinois.
The Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership offers entrepreneurship programs, services, and resources to faculty, students, and community members on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. The Academy’s mission is to encourage entrepreneurial awareness and initiatives across all disciplines of the University of Illinois. Many activities of the Academy, including workshops, lectures and professional FastTrac courses, are available to central Illinois businesses.