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Remove the ego.
Reduce the Friction.
Focus on the Founder.

 

Connection

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Education

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Motivation

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Inspiration

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Connection 〰️ Education 〰️ Motivation 〰️ Inspiration 〰️

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Join Us This Economic Development Week:

Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Distillery Labs | Free Admission | Registration Required

Part of Economic Development Week 2026 — 100 Years of Impact

Greater Peoria is positioning itself at the forefront of American energy and manufacturing — and you’re invited to be in the room.

Join the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Distillery Labs for Powering the Heartland, a full-day innovation summit that brings together regional leaders, energy innovators, and community builders for conversation, connection, and commitment to what comes next for central Illinois.

THE DAY INCLUDES:

Big Table Community Report Release — Regional leaders publicly release findings and recommendations gathered from community engagement events across Greater Peoria. This report will directly inform the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region.

Panel Discussions — Conversations on building the regional innovation ecosystem and the future of Industry 5.0 in central Illinois, featuring local and state leaders.

Virtual Keynotes — Dr. Jacopo Buongiorno, MIT professor and member of the National Academy of Engineering, on advanced nuclear energy. Randy Freer, former CEO of Hulu, on marketing and public engagement for the future of energy.

Startup Showcase — Local startups from gener8tor gBeta cohorts in the Distillery Labs maker space.

Networking Reception — Open networking to close the day.

Doors open at 9:30 AM. Lunch provided.


 
 

Welcome to distillery laBS

Stay in the know of everything happening at Distillery Labs and Join Proximity today as a virtual member.

At Distillery Labs, we put founders first. No gatekeeping, no ego - just the support, connections, and resources you need to launch and scale (or maybe even just to overcome that doubt you have that you can’t do this). Whether you’re drafting your first business plan or preparing for Series A, you’ll find a community committed to removing barriers and creating entrepreneurs at every stage.

Read the Illinois Startup Manifesto below for our vision for a more porous, connected ecosystem that will turn not just our own community, but our entire state into the model startup ecosystem of the future.

Looking for a Coworking Membership?

Coworking at distillery labs starts at just $100 monthly for individuals. Create a free account on proximity to see all of our coworking plans and find the right package to fit your needs.


 

what’s happening at the labs?

 

Collab Merch available - Designed by artists-in-Residence PRETENDLY!

 
 
 
 

 

BULLETIN BOARD

volunteer opportunities at Distillery Labs

Distillery Labs has immediate opportunities for volunteers of all facets of our community including:

  • Teaching Classes (Sewing, Photography, Podcasting, Cooking, 3D Printing, Electronics Prototyping, Robotics)

  • Community Engagement + Reception

  • Building Maintenance + Concierge

  • Entrepreneurial Advisement

  • Legal Assistance (IP, Patent, Immigration)

  • Event Hosts: Winning Wednesday Workshops, Fail Club, Slices + Startups

  • Girls Who Code Facilitators

  • Robotics Club Facilitators

  • Social Media + Content Creation

  • Community Ambassadors

  • Event Staff

  • Much, Much More


Host a Winning Wednesday Workshop

 

 

Contact us to be considered as a potential Guest Speaker at future FAIL CLUB gatherings!

join our community


Follow us on social media

connect with our staff on linkedin:

Doug Cruitt | Executive Director

Jeffrey Inman | Director of Programs

Jennifer Rosa | Events Producer

Rajeev Kumar | MakerSpace Manager


Join Proximity

Become a Virtual Member of Distillery Labs today and get instant access to the ecosystem, updates, newsletters, and special access to events.


Networks of Innovative Communities + Ecosystems
(NICE) | Ramenlife Portal

Join a regional digital startup platform for free and get connected to founders, resources, mentors, and potential customers and new hires.


Come See Us

Mon - Fri | 8:00a - 5:00p

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Note: Coworking Members and Tenants have badge access permitting entry outside of normal business hours.

 

Greater Peoria innovation ecosystem map

Great startups are built on great connections. Our region is home to dozens of organizations and leaders dedicated to founder success. Explore the map to find the support you need, right when you need it.

 

 

Our Partners


 
 
No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.
— Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder @ LinkedIn
 
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