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"Q-C Entrepreneur Makes Big Contacts at State Competition" - Quad Cities Online Dispatch-Argus
"Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center Announce Winners of 2009 Innovate Illinois Competition"
"Business Contest at ‘A Whole Other Level’ this Year" - Rockford Register Star
"Innovate Illinois Contest Spotlights Novel Startup Businesses with Job-Creating Potential" - Chicago Tribune


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WELCOME
Innovate Illinois is statewide entrepreneurial and innovation competition recognizing high-growth entrepreneurs. Businesses compete on the merits of their innovations in hopes of being named one of the most innovative companies in the state by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Out of the hundreds of companies that apply, four will win a total of $80,000 in cash prizes.
Since 2005, 33 companies have been recognized as statewide winners. These companies have:
- Received $530,000 in cash and prizes
- Generated over 500 new jobs
- Secured $20 million in financing
- Generated over $50 million in new revenues in 2008
Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Innovate Illinois competition:
2009 Winners
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Later Stage |
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Runners-Up
| Early Stage |
Later Stage |
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August 9, 2010
Application Deadline
September 10, 2010
Semifinalist Selection
October 1, 2010
Area Semifinals Competitions
Southern Area Competition– Carbondale, October 12, 2010
Central Area Competition – Peoria, October 20, 2010
Northern Area Competition – Chicago, October 27, 2010
Statewide Finals Completion
December 16, 2010 – Chicago, IL
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