Sparking Investor Interest: The Impact Investing Education Forum

On May 22nd, Distillery Labs and Central Illinois Angels co-hosted an enriching event aimed at enhancing investor education in the Greater Peoria region. Titled “Impact Investing Education Forum: Funding Greater Peoria Startups”, this gathering provided an enlightening platform for those considering investing in burgeoning startup businesses.

Over the past few years, we have made commendable strides in refining the startup ecosystem in Greater Peoria. Much of our efforts have been concentrated on nurturing entrepreneurs and innovators. However, we recognized the need to engage the other pivotal part of the startup equation: the financial backers whose support fuels startup growth.

Hosted at the newly relocated Creve Coeur Club, the event revolved around a thought-provoking panel discussion about investing. The conversation was deftly moderated by Kip McCoy of OSF Healthcare and Central Illinois Angels, and featured valuable insights from panelists Anna Palmer, Bruce Sommer, and Ken Zika.

The forum sparked lively exchanges and provided a foundation of knowledge and inspiration for potential investors. The positive feedback we received from participants was a testament to the event's success, and a reaffirmation of the importance of such initiatives.

Buoyed by this positive response, we are excited to announce that we plan to host another event before the year concludes. It is our steadfast belief that by strengthening both sides of the startup ecosystem - the innovators and the investors - we can continue to support and foster the growth of startups in the Greater Peoria region.