Friday, September 27, 2013

How to turn more startups into growth companies

How to turn more startups into growth companies
By John Pletz

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130924/BLOGS11/130929895

Want to know what it takes for Chicago's startups to take it the next level?

I'll be sitting down Oct. 2 with some of Chicago's best-known entrepreneurs and ringleaders from the tech community to find out.

My guests include Fred Hoch, CEO of the Illinois Technology Association; Seth Kravitz, co-founder of Technori and Bow Truss Coffee; Jeff Malehorn, CEO of World Business Chicago; Jim O'Connor Jr., co-founder of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and managing director of investment firm MVC Capital; and Howard Tullman, founder of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy and managing partner of venture fund G2T3V LLC. It's part of Crain's Small Business Week.

It's a lively group of smart folks who I know aren't afraid to call 'em as they see 'em. Join us for what promises to be an entertaining conversation at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 2 at Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP, 225 W. Wacker Drive.

Chicago's startup scene continues to grow, but the big challenge ahead is transforming small companies into high-growth businesses with big budgets and payrolls. In his own blog post this week, Mr. Hoch contends Chicago has one of the nation's deepest pools of high-growth companies with revenue between $2 million and $250 million.

“These organizations make money, drive revenue and increase business," he wrote. "They are not always 'sexy' — or the next big thing — but they are the backbone of Chicago tech. . . .As these companies take on more talent and capital, they are beginning to shape Chicago's national identity.”

Saturday, September 07, 2013

The Next Generation of Chicago Growth Companies Panel

Inc Well | Small Business Advice for Chicago Entrepreneurs

A how-to blog for Chicago business

Go to There: The Next Generation of Chicago Growth Companies Panel

By David Wolinsky

| Tuesday, Sep 3, 2013 | Updated 9:45 AM CDT

Go to There: The Next Generation of Chicago Growth Companies Panel

Lyrids

The Illinois Technology Association and Crain’s Small Business are teaming up for a panel focused firmly on the future. Namely, the next generation of growth businesses in Chicago.

Panelists like Fred Hoch (president and CEO of ITA), Seth Kravitz (co-founder and CEO of Technori), Howard Tullman (chairman of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy) and others will be discussing resources available to help companies to successfully transition and the overall importance of such companies in boosting our economy.

It all takes place Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 8:30 a.m. ’tip 10:30 a.m. at Edwards Wildman Palmer, 225 W. Wacker Dr. If you’d like to register, check it out here.