Starting a business isn’t easy, but with the right support, networks, and initiative, it can thrive.
Chapter Designation
That’s why the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with North Central College to be designated as a Startup Grind chapter.
“Startup Grind is a global community of entrepreneurs. There’s over two million entrepreneurs worldwide in 600 different cities, 125 different countries, and there’s two chapters in Illinois. One is in Chicago and we just got the Naperville chapter, which is awesome,” explained Karen Bartuch, the executive director of the center for innovation and entrepreneurship at North Central.
Connecting Globally & Locally
Connecting to a global hub for entrepreneurs and to the one right in your community is equally important.
“I think anybody who’s started a business knows that you can’t do it alone,” said Bartuch. “And so just the networking alone within this area and all of the great business leaders that are in this area, for the students to have access to them in a kind of intimate, one on one level is going to be fantastic.”
The partnership will provide that networking for NCC students with events like their inaugural Startup Grind fireside chat.
Impacting Students
It’s a chance to hear from local business experts and learn in the extended classroom.
“It’s a great way to get my name out there, get the content [out there], and draw ideas from other successful individuals and those who are much farther along in their path,” said 2019 NCC graduate and entrepreneur Vincent Pizzo. “It’s just a great opportunity for me to learn. At this point in my life, I’m a sponge so everything that I get is just going to be latched onto and then get back to my clients.”
Mentorship Support
And take it from someone whose utilized the support of the mentors in Naperville firsthand.
“I was able to lean on some folks that started businesses that had been around for 30 years, 20 years, 10 years,” said CEO of Magnitech Tim Pabich. “I think that’s what’s really nice about Naperville is you have a generational structure when it comes to entrepreneurship and business.”
Resources that will make all the difference for young entrepreneurs.
Naperville News 17’s Christine Lena reports.
