Learn to turn ideas into profits
Entrepreneurs, students, inventors and others can learn about starting and growing a business during the second annual Ideas to Profits Business Conference Saturday, May 21, organized by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at North Central College and Fox Valley SCORE.
The conference runs 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in North Central's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Fox Valley business owners, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, inventors, students and early-stage startup professionals are welcome to participate.
Attendees will learn about current trends and information and acquire new skills to help them start or grow a business and become more competitive.
North Central College President Troy D. Hammond will present the lunch keynote. He will share information about a new business accelerator and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which acts as a bridge between the college and the regional business community.
He also will discuss the college's campuswide transformation through the new Science Center, an interdisciplinary facility where students of every major will deepen their understanding and appreciation of science, technology, engineering and math fields.
"Throughout the day, we will have many industry experts presenting 17 training sessions and panel discussions in two distinct tracks: one for individuals wanting to launch a successful business and one for existing businesses and manufacturers wanting to grow revenue," said Martha Carney, executive director of the center.
The day provides a platform for businesses to engage with lenders, investors and customers through wide-ranging educational presentations.
"One of the day's highlights will be the pitch session," Carney said. "Three entrepreneurs will present their business in hopes of winning $5,000 to fund their businesses and participate in the accelerator."
A judging panel will select 15 semifinalists from among attendees who signed up early for the conference; each semifinalist will receive 15 minutes to present their pitch and answer questions during scheduled appointments before the event. The panel will then select three finalists, who will each have 10 minutes to present during the May 21 conference.
The Ideas to Profits Business Conference registration fee is $79 through Friday, May 13, then $99 until registration closes Wednesday, May 18. For information, visit northcentralcollege.edu or email entrepreneur@noctrl.edu.
If you go
What: Ideas to Profits Business Conference
When: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Cost: $79 to Friday, May 13; $99 after
Info: northcentralcollege.edu or entrepreneur@noctrl.edu