Business Ownership

Software Developer Russ Forstall Utilizes Co-working Spaces To Gain New Perspectives on Business and Family

Dallas Jones
Russ Utilizing High-top Table Space for Stand-Up Desk

Russ Forstall, owner of software development business ‘Slash Pine Tech LLC‘ has control of his professional life in a way many of us strive to accomplish.

After spending five years at a large programming agency, Russ realized he was at a crossroads in his life. Either he could commit long term to working at an agency or he could start his own business with his knowledge of programming and enter an entirely new world of possibilities.

Since starting ‘Slash Pine Tech‘ Mr. Forstall has been able to shift his perspective to one that allows him to put family first. When speaking of his motivation for being self-employeed, Russ said, “my kids are still young and I want to be able to spend more time with them.”

While many of us long to better balance our personal and professional lives, Mr. Forstall has a solid understanding of both. He says through having a better perspective of family relationships, he has gained a better understanding of relationships with coworkers, colleagues, customers and clients.

We at Elevate are ecstatic to see the co-working model play a part in allowing entrepreneurs the ability to start their own business in which Russ says there has been, “a lot more to conquer and a lot more to learn.” Our function serves to provide perspective business owners with the confidence to take the next step in following their dreams in developing their own business.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Business Ownership, Development, Elevate Programs

Elevate’s Role as a Business Incubation Center in Coles County: Enabling Business Ownership for People of All Backgrounds

Dallas Jones

As a community organization, Elevate is always thinking about what role we play in Mattoon and the greater Coles County Area. We hope to be thought of as a place of unity and equity; welcoming to people of every race, gender, religion, sexuality and background.

We have always felt our best assets to our community are the resources we are able to provide to anyone with the dream to be their own boss. Small business owners are perhaps one of the greatest metrics to measure the diversity of an area and the opportunities provided to citizens of said region.

We hope to cultivate an ever growing pool of diverse business owners in our area through programs such as Grow With Google, The Lakeland Initiative, The Kiva Loan program and The Simple Accelerator Program. These programs provide the building blocks for business development and success with the purpose of creating an opportunity for any entrepreneur to start or build their own business.

It is the belief of the team at Elevate that business ownership represents financial equality, representation and happiness. Through creating a more diverse environment for business ownership we look to create a more inclusive world and community.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Tik Tok– @elevateccic Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Business Ownership, Elevate Programs

Elevate CCIC. Offers Physical Space For Your Business

Dallas Jones

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog post, you have probably noticed the variety of membership options available at our center. One of these is our ‘mailbox’ monthly membership.

For only $40 a month, we offer a variety of resources to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business or growing their existing organization. Most important to the mailbox membership is the opportunity to attach a physical address to your business.

For only $40 monthly, we provide a professional image, greatly improve your chances of being found online, a meeting place for the clients you will be attracting and added security. Additionally, signing various legal documents such as forming an LLC or opening a bank account may require a physical address.

Yes, theoretically one could operate a business without an address attached to their company. It is possible to do, but it isn’t your best option.

Firstly, the professionalism associated with having a street address attached to your business is unmatched by a P.O. box or using a home address. Customers will surely appreciate knowing where your business exist and are much more likely to take your organizations seriously.

Our mailboxes also greatly increase your chances of being found online. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers to the ability potential clients have to find your business online. For example, if someone in Mattoon wanted to start a business, they may search, ‘startup business Mattoon Illinois’ they will quickly find Elevate in the search results. One factor attributed to this is we have verified an address on Google My Business. On this page, Google recommends verifying an address to improve your local ranking saying, “Verify your business locations to give them the best opportunity to appear for users across Google products, like Maps and Search.”

The physical workspace included in this membership also creates an environment greatly associated with the growth of your business. When working in our drop in table space, you will be allowed a professional environment to meet with potential clients interested in your business.

The security associated with your business existing physically at Elevate holds much value to any business owner. If working from a rental apartment or house, it is likely contradictory to a landlords lease agreement to conduct a business from this residence. Those found doing so may be subject to fines of even eviction. Even when owing a home residence, our ‘mailbox’ membership allows for a separation of work and personal space.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Tik Tok– @elevateccic Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Development, Elevate Programs, gigabit-speed internet access

Starting a Business in a Co-Working Space: How Centers Such as Elevate are Making Dreams a Reality

Dallas Jones
Elevate CCIC. Inc., Co-Working Innovation Center

1.2 million small businesses exist in the state of Illinois, according to a 2018 SBA Profile. Unfortunately for many, this dream has traditionally required more funds than are available to the typical individual. Thankfully, the Mattoon In Motion Robust Economy Committee has created a business incubation center, empowering those in the Coles County Region in their goals to open or develop their small business. Elevate CCIC, Inc. makes entrepreneurship a reality for anyone with a dream and determination.

Traditionally, operating a business requires thousands of dollars a year. Between renting office space, paying for internet, utilities and other amenities; most people are unable to provide the resources needed for their ideas to blossom into a fruitful venture.

Fortunately, Elevate enables everyone in the Coles County Area to startup their own business in a less costly manner. In our co-working space, one can access the resources necessary for their start-up at a manageable cost (see membership fees below), rent an office if applicable to their venture as well as several additional amenities.

MembershipFullTechMailboxStudentNon–member
Cost/ Month$95$50$40$35$10/Day
AmenitiesFullTechMailboxStudentNon-Member
Call Booths✓✓✓✓
Members-Only
event		✓✓$15 per event✓$15 per event
Gear Locker✓$30 per locker/mo$30 per locker/mo$30 per locker/mo$30 per locker/mo
Mailbox (1)✓✓
24/7 Access✓✓working hours only8am-11:30pm
M-F		working hours only
Monthly Print-BW
copies		250pay extrapay extrapay extrapay extra
Conference Rooms(2)(2*)see belowsee belowsee belowsee belowsee below
Drop in table space✓✓✓✓✓
Office Space Rental (*3)✓

Small Office rate $150 a month
Large Office rate $250 a month
Prices Subject to Change

Conference rooms are available for Full Membership members twice (2) a month for free. After which Full members receive half off rental rate. Large Conference Room Rental based on availability and is $250/full day (8hr) or $150/half day (4hr).

Additionally, our co-working center goes above and beyond providing physical space, internet and utilities. While working at Elevate, entrepreneurs are given access to members only events in coordination with programs created with our partners. These programs are formulated in a fashion which increases knowledge of various opportunities to grow a startup or develop a small business through exposure to like minded individuals looking to start their own venture.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Tik Tok– @elevateccic Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

#Veterans, Construction Progress, Development, Elevate Programs

A Look Through Time

Dallas Jones

Not to mention the success Elevate has had in gathering resources for those who will utilize the center, the physical space we occupy has greatly changed since renovations began nearly a year ago. When Rural King, ‘America’s Farm and Home Store’ first provided us with the space, there was much progress to be made before we would have the innovative work center that is present in the Cross County Mall today. 

As of today, the finishing touches are being completed in the workspace. We are appreciative of our contractors who are completing the final installs for our equipment lockers and televisions. Finally standing in the center, the colorful open workspace speaks volumes of everyone involved in every step of the process of creating our center. Our colorful furniture area, booth design, and open layout have truly shaped a beautiful co-collaborative workspace to benefit entrepreneurs in our region.

We at Elevate CCIC, Inc. would like to thank everyone who has supported our mission to encourage, connect and grow small and startup businesses in the region by creating a mixed-use, co-working space that provides resources and opportunities to empower success. Since the conception of our organization, creating a greater community that nurtures

innovation and economic prosperity in the Coles County region through a collaborative community of entrepreneurs has been our vision. Elevate has made developmental strides of success since the idea for our center was first organized. Going into the future, we see great success generated through the various programs we have to offer entrepreneurs.

Current programming for Elevate includes the ‘Grow With Google’ program provides digital resources, workshops and discussions organized by our supporter Google.org. 

Words cannot fully express the excitement we have towards the  coming months, following final installation and the state’s ‘Shelter in Place’ order we stand eager to put new start-ups in motion and further develop small businesses. 

In coordination with Lake Land College, the ‘Lakeland Initiative’ is organized to provide full members of Elevate with an opportunity to receive limited tuition waivers  for a Business Development Certificate through Lake Land College.

We are glad to support our Veterans in co-operating with Code Platoon, this program provides educational opportunities to veterans and their spouses through a 14 week coding course.

Elevate is proud to use the ‘4-H Farmbot’ in our center to use and showcase agricultural development by facilitating 4-H after school programming.

Additionally, our ‘Simple Accelerator Program’ is in place to help entrepreneurs build financially feasible business plans and access low interest revolving loans.

The accomplishments achieved by our center would not be possible without you, our supporter. The team at Elevate owes the most sincere thank you to everyone who has provided the resources needed for our center. We hope our continued success will inspire our supporters to continue to work towards providing a co-collaborative business incubation center in order to spur growth in our community.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en


As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Tik Tok– @elevateccic Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Elevate Programs

Code Platoon Partnership Enables Veterans and Their Spouses

Dallas Jones

As a community organization, our goal is to provide resources to as many people as possible. The programming available at Elevate plays a huge role in how we continue to provide for our clients and additionally spurs growth to new entrepreneurs who have not yet benefited from the resources Elevate has to offer.

We at Elevate are proud to call ourselves a home for our partner, Code Platoon. As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, Code Platoon strives to “transform veterans and military spouses into professional software developers through an immersive, hands-on, educational process and paid internship program.” In short, Code Platoon creates employment opportunities for veterans of our country and their spouses through a 14-week coding bootcamp.

Code Platoon is able to accomplish this goal by making their program affordable and connecting graduates from their program with companies who see the value that veterans and their families bring to the table. Additionally, Code Platoon encourages every veteran or military spouse to participate in their program. While a coding career is lucrative ( two years after completion of the program, graduates reported a median income of $88,000) Code Platoon emphasizes, “A veteran or military spouse has what it takes to become a developer, even if they don’t identify as a techie. We encourage all veterans and military spouses to apply.”

Many veterans face unemployment due to challenges translating their demonstrated dedication, teamwork and problem-solving into civilian work experience. According to a Call of Duty Endowment and ZipRecruiter study, 33 percent of Veterans are underemployed. For many veterans, completing a four-year degree after serving is not a viable option due to family, financial and social constraints. While many ‘developer boot camps’ have educated talented groups of developers, Code Platoon works to combat the challenges often presented specifically to veterans.

Our role as a partner of Code Platoon highlights one of the most important attributes of their program. Their coding camp provides students with the encouragement of working in a collaborative environment with their peers for the duration of their course. Doing so simulates the civilian work environment and places participants in an environment where they are encouraged to work with others completing the same courses they are working on themselves.

Naturally, as a cross collaborative business incubation center and work space, Elevate and Code Platoon are a perfect fit as partners. We welcome veterans and military families into our center and hope to provide resources in any way we can. Veterans and their spouses can apply for the program at https://www.codeplatoon.org/ under ‘Apply Now‘ Please share this article in order to support those who have served our country in building a better life in the civilian world.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Tik Tok– @elevateccic Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Connect with Code Platoon online at https://www.codeplatoon.org and follow their social media: Twitter– @codeplatoon_org LinkedIn– Code Platoon Facebook– Code Platoon Instagram-CodePlatoon Youtube– Code Platoon and Vimeo– Code Platoon

Business Ownership

Support for Local Business During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dallas Jones
“Business and Entrepreneurship” by InvestmentTotal.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Elevate has always and will always work towards our mission of encouraging, connecting and growing small and startup businesses in the Coles County Region. During the current circumstances presented by COVID-19, we recognize our duty as a community organization is to provide as many resources as possible to business owners in our region. For the duration of this situation, we will continue to do our very best to present options that work for you and your business.

As a precautionary measure, our space in the Cross-County Mall is currently not available to the public. The health and safety of our community will always be our number one priority at Elevate. While we are not physically able to connect in person, we recognize that now more than ever our non-profit business model holds value to hundreds of local companies focused on economic prosperity.

We remain available to every business during this time. Reach out to us via email at director@elevate217.org with questions or to organize a free consultation. We are here to help in this time of need.

Additional Resources

Per U.S. Small Business Administration

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are currently eligible to apply for a loan advance of up to $10,000.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

The SBA provides a debt relief to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis.

Per USDA

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

Per U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

To help small business owners and entrepreneurs better understand the new programs that will soon be available to them, we have created a comprehensive guide to many of the small business provisions in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress on March 27. These programs and initiatives are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. 

Per Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Our staff and the Small Business Development Centers across the state will be available to assist businesses with accessing available supports for those impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Per Google.org

We want to help alleviate some of the cost for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to stay in touch with their customers during this challenging time. That’s why we’re giving our SMBs worldwide $340 million in ad credits, which can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across our Google Ads platforms. SMBs who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will see a credit notification appear in their Google Ads account in the coming months.

Per LISC and Verizon

Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, we are offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. 

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Uncategorized

How Innovative Business Models Are Providing for Our Community During Social Distancing Period

Dallas Jones

As Elevate moves towards an open center to fully service our clients, a look at the real world application of innovative non-traditional business models in our community is helpful. Amid the current COVID-19 public safety concerns, one company is playing an important role in keeping our community safe and stimulating business for local restaurants who may be struggling due to the current closure of sit-in establishments through the end of the month.

Online service ‘DoorDash’ allows customers to order their food through their app or online which allows customers to order meals  without leaving their home. While this service has always enabled users to eat from restaurants in our area, it is especially relevant during this pandemic. For the elderly, disabled or parents tending to children who are home from school DoorDash provides food for many who could not otherwise support these restaurants or purchase food on their own in this time of need.

The following article was written by a Mattoon in Motion member when DoorDash first came to our area, and highlights the importance of business and economic development in our community.

“DoorDash

Mattoon In Motion would like to welcome DoorDash, the largest and fastest-growing on-demand destination for door-to-door delivery in more than 4,000 cities in the United States and Canada into our community. After winning the Google.org Impact Challenge Illinois grant, as a community, we are progressing our local economy by attracting new innovative business models and companies such as DoorDash.

After being contacted by a local restaurant inquiring about a food delivery service, Mattoon in Motion did a quick survey to several restaurants in the area. A number of them said they would be interested in utilizing a service such as DoorDash. Mattoon in Motion reached out to many other companies that provide food delivery services, many did not respond. DoorDash reached back out to us enthusiastically about coming to Mattoon/Charleston and stated that they advanced the schedule because of the achievement that the community has made and its goals towards the future.

We want to thank DoorDash for advancing their schedule and providing a needed service to our area that can support local restaurants, jobs, and citizens wanting to enjoy many of our local restaurants at home. If you would like more information about DoorDash visit https://www.doordash.com/

 Through the DoorDash platform, Dashers can work on their own schedule and enjoy flexible work opportunities to achieve their goals. If interested in onboarding as a Dasher to support the restaurant demand, view www.doordash.com/dasher/signup/  If interested in becoming a restaurant partner, visit https://www.doordash.com/merchant/apply 

And be sure to keep up to date with other projects Mattoon community is working on by visiting www.mattooninmotion.com ”

Services such as DoorDash provide economic stimulation to our community and provide jobs for many who benefit from its flexible scheduling model. While DoorDash mentions the achievements and goals recently made in our community as key factors in their decision to implement their service when they did it is important to continuously strive to improve the area in which we live. We at Elevate hope that this current situation will give birth to dreams of entrepreneurship for many who can use this opportunity to plan for the future.

In addition, the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of how local restaurants are continuing service in this current situation. This list is available on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

As always, keep up to date with Elevate on social media, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Construction Progress, Development

The History of Elevate: From Inception to Construction

Dallas Jones

Mattoon in Motion Robust Economy Committee was organized to “create a community of entrepreneurs who are passionate about developing their business.” As part of this initiative, Elevate CCIC, Inc. is supporting this goal by developing a grassroots economic development center that will encourage cross-collaboration of ideas and resources. To understand where Elevate is today, and our vision for the future, a look at our history is imperative.

Carlos Ortega, Executive Director
at Elevate CCIC, Inc.

In August 2019, Carlos Ortega accepted the Executive Director position at Elevate CCIC, Inc., the brainchild organization created by the Robust Economy Committee to encourage the growth of small business development in the Coles County area. Carlos says he took the position because he is “passionate about community development and supporting people with the resources they have available to them.” His experience with the Illinois State Senate, four years as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and obtaining his MPP at Western Illinois University has prepared Carlos with the expertise needed to organize a center that brings the best parts of the community and region together.

As a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, Elevate is funded by the goodwill of investors who see the potential of a business incubation center in our community. In the early stages of the Elevate, three organizations supported the inception of our business incubation center through substantial grants and in-kind awards.

On February 15th, 2019, Elevate was awarded the Google.org Impact Challenge Illinois Grant and People’s Choice award for $325,000 to fund the full renovation of the center. As described by Google.org, “The Google.org Impact Challenge asks local nonprofit innovators and social entrepreneurs how they would make their community and beyond an even better place.” In alignment with the award granted by Google.org, Rural King provided Elevate with the open space in the Cross-County Mall to host our vision.

On August 5th, 2019, Elevate was awarded the Rural Business Development Grant by the United States Department of Agriculture. This $98,000 grant was able to fund the furnishing of the space as well as all equipment in the center. The USDA grant brings Elevate to its current position, awaiting the finishing touches on the construction of the center.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

To find more information about Elevate’s vision, connect with us on LinkedIn @ Elevate CCIC, INC., Facebook @ElevateCCIC, Twitter and Instagram @elevate217

Construction Progress

Construction of Center Prompts Excitement

Dallas Jones

Elevate CCIC. would like to thank all who have contributed to the formation of our new business incubation center. Due to the recent hard work of our contractors, the center is getting closer to our eventual Grand Opening.

Contractors James, Tim and Jack (left to right) are working diligently to finish center.
Cafe style booths will allow entrepreneurs to work in a collaborative environment.

While much is still to be done before the center can officially open, the amount of progress that has been made is astounding. Throughout the last month projects such as the completion of two development areas have drawn interest to those working in the space.

The Unique multi-level work space will spark innovation.

Carlos Ortega, the executive director of Elevate, hopes that the layout will allow entrepreneurs to work in a unique way that does not resemble the traditional office environment. He says, “Elevate is designed to be an agile space where entrepreneurs can co-collaboratively build their brand.”

The decision to build Elevate with an open layout resembles a movement that has been adopted by many organizations in recent years in order to boost productivity and rethink how office communication should work.

Become a member or schedule a tour today https://elevate217.spaces.nexudus.com/en

Find out more about the construction of Elevate by searching Elevate CCIC on Facebook or LinkedIn and on Instagram or  Twitter @Elevate217