Mattoon, IL- Five recent members of Elevate, were recognized Thursday, January 28, 2021, for their achievements in entrepreneurship. Amy Patrick, Evie Rudibaugh, Katie Haifley, Keegan O’Connell, and Latonya Davies were recognized at the first-ever ‘Elevate Celebration of Innovation & Growth.’
Those in attendance at this event included new entrepreneurs and their families, local business professionals, and others in the Elevate community. As a not-for-profit organization, Elevate most values its members’ success and those who ultimately go into business for themselves.
New Business Owners Celebrating with Family & Community
With assistance from the center, Keegan O’Connell (pictured left) has utilized the KIVA Crowdsourcing Loan Program via the centers’ partnership with LISC Rural. This loan will enable his business, Buzzed & Board Media LLC., to expand further.
Latonya Davies (pictured left) has reached new clients for her LLC. All For Them – Latonya’s Pet Care Services since becoming an Elevate member.
Evie Rudibaugh registered her business, Peace of Mind Home Services LLC, with the team’s help at Elevate. Evie initially found inspiration for her home care services business during her Class E participation, a high school entrepreneurship class that teaches students about starting a business. Elevate has recently become the home of Classe-E, the course which inspired Evie to become a business owner.
Not pictured members Amy Patrick and Katie Haifley have also graduated from various Elevate programs and look to succeed in their ventures. Amy was the first graduate of Elevates’ 6 Step Program and is now operating her own life & wellness education organization online. Katie Haifley was the first Elevate member to graduate from ‘The Elevate-Lake Land College Initiative’ program, a partnership between Elevate and Lake Land College. Lake Land College has graciously provided 15 tuition waivers to full members of Elevate. This partnership between Lake Land College and Elevate allows aspiring entrepreneurs to receive the knowledge necessary to start their venture without accruing a significant financial burden.
Elevate looks to the future and is excited for the chance to provide equitable opportunities and success for all. Our center hopes 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.
Thinking of become an entrepreneur yourself? Start by sending us a message and scheduling a tour!