This program is an initiative of DSI’s Economic Vitality volunteer committee to help educate and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, investors and property developers. The Momentum on Main Street task force meets regularly to plan new strategies and activities to accomplish this goal. Sign up to receive our electronic newsletter by texting KNOW2GROW to 22828.
We work with Innovate Springfield, the City of Springfield, Illinois SBDC at LLCC, Illinois Stewardship Alliance and other partners to show you the way to realize your passion project with networking and free workshops to demystify the resources that are available, right here in Springfield.
During COVID, we know that it’s just as important to retain our existing businesses as it is to attract new entrepreneurs. Find out more about our new Virtual Cash Mobs (link to Blog post), a direct way for you to support our small mom and pop shops from your home or office.
Learn more about our Virtual Cash Mobs to help struggling downtown businesses.
GOT A GREAT IDEA?
Innovate Springfield hosts small, nine-week entrepreneurial boot camps, part of the national Co.Starters program, every spring and fall.
“We really aimed to highlight and build off the positives that are already happening downtown,” said David Lee, a medical salesperson and downtown revitalization advocate who chairs the Momentum committee. “We’ve quickly gotten a lot of interest; it obviously was a message people could get behind. We’re hoping the workshops, conversations, and connections that are happening will give people the tools, and confidence, to do their project or business that they’ve been dreaming about.”
DAVID LEE
Momentum Committee Chair
SUPPORT FOR MOMENTUM
This program is generously sponsored by the City of Springfield and US Bank. In addition, attendees to DSI’s Annual Dinner raised $30,000 for the program in January 2020.
More than 100 people attended the Momentum kick-off event in March 2019.
More than 100 people attended the Momentum kick-off event in March 2019.
YEAR ONE
- Seven entrepreneurs received US Bank/Momentum scholarships to attend a Co.Starters cohort
- One realtor was given a US Bank/Momentum scholarship to attend an Incremental Development Alliance workshop to learn how to take on a property redevelopment without using subsidies
- Momentum hosted a kick-off event featuring five entrepreneurs who are succeeding in downtown Springfield currently with 100 attendees. See photos.
- Momentum hosted six free, networking/educational sessions on a variety of issues including how to start your food business by selling at the Farmers Market; demystifying the process of permits and licensing at city hall; an interactive walking tour to help participants discern what is needed when one buys a downtown building, and financing for a business start-up
- Co.Starters participant Patrick Russell opened a brick and mortar business, Reverie Apparel
- Co.Starters participant Sarah Stahly started DSI on a path of exploring the barriers for food entrepreneurs in Springfield
- Nearly 250 people are now connected for property and investment opportunities
- Annual Dinner attendees raised $30k for the growth of the Momentum program
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
- Momentum committee members are hosting Virtual Cash Mob online events to boost sales for downtown mom and pops
- DSI summer interns implemented low-dollar improvements to brighten the Outdoor Downtown seating areas (necessitated by state COVID requirements) and to attract more patrons
- Committee is exploring updating development reports from 2012 Committee is exploring hosting free online property development classes
CONTACT US
3 W Old State Capitol Plaza
Suite 15
Springfield, IL 62701
P: (217) 544-1723
INFORMATION
STAY CONNECTED
Stay Connected to everything amazing that Downtown Springfield has to offer.
CONTACT US
3 W Old State Capitol Plaza
Suite 15
Springfield, IL 62701
P: (217) 544-1723
PROGRAMS
Farmers Market
Momentum on Main Street
ARTification
Holiday Walks
INFORMATION
Volunteer
Membership
Terms & Conditions
Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED
Stay Connected to everything amazing that Downtown Springfield has to offer.