PSA Small Business Owners: Your Business Could be Eligible for up to $150,000 in Back 2 Business Grant Money

If your business reported a loss of $5,000 or more due to COVID-19 in the years 2019-2020, visit Elevate any time 8-5 Monday through Friday with the required B2B documents and we will assist you in the application process! The Illinois Department of Commerce & Continue Reading

Who Is Christian Larson

Christian is currently a Junior at Mattoon High School. He plays basketball and baseball while being an entrepreneur. He went to St. John’s Lutheran school from first grade until 8th grade. He enjoys wildlife and outdoor activities. The one thing that he loves to do Continue Reading

Who Is Blaine Powers

Blaine Powers is currently a junior at Mattoon Community High School. Before high school, Blaine attended Saint Mary’s Catholic School, and then Mattoon Middle School. Blaine has two younger sisters, and his parents are Greg and Sarah Powers. One of Blaine’s favorite things to do Continue Reading

“It Was Awesome” – Alex Houser & Rick Wright Excel at Notre Dame Idea Center Internship

Alex Houser and Rick Wright have returned from their summer internship opportunity at The Notre Dame Idea Center, located in South Bend, Indiana. The pair were able to spend their summer developing skills in Solid Works, CNC Machines, and many other skills relevant to their Continue Reading

Class E Facilitator Fall 2021, Vincent Walk of Mattoon

MATTOON-  Continuing in his second year as the Coles County Entrepreneurship Program (Class E), Vincent Walk of Mattoon is geared up for his class of twenty-one students. Walk brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial and educational experience through his interest in Vinnie & Al’s Pla-Mor Continue Reading

UPDATE: Alex Houser and Rick Wright at Notre Dame Idea Center

     The Notre Dame Idea Center Paid Internship, made possible by McHugh’s Restaurants, “will provide an exciting opportunity to train young innovators and entrepreneurs that will contribute to the burgeoning Coles County innovation ecosystem, and ultimately help create new Central Illinois businesses”, says IDEA Continue Reading

Local Shop ‘Broadway Home Center’ Using 3D Printers at Elevate

Broadway Home Center, a local family-owned business, has been located at the same corner at 1601 Broadway Ave., in Mattoon for six years. Co-owner Tanner Kroening has been an avid supporter of the Elevate mission since day one and calls the center, “A great space Continue Reading

Team Spotlight – Alex Fearday, Elevate Internship Program

The newest addition to Elevate’s internship program, Alex Fearday, brings a wealth of experience to our team in the fields of coding and 3D printing. Since applying in May, he has played a crucial role in the center’s research and development.   Alex plans to Continue Reading