Peoria, IL. July 26, 2023. –
(July 26, 2023 | Peoria, Ill.) – Bradley University’s Peoria NEXT Innovation Center is now partnering with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), with a goal to provide outreach and services that support startup manufacturers to advance their success in performance excellence and advanced manufacturing technology.
Through this partnership, IMEC has committed to cover the initial three months of a one-year lease at Peoria NEXT for up to four eligible manufacturing startups, saving organizations as much as $4,800. This enables the startups to allocate these funds towards other operating expenses of their growing ventures. These startups will also have access to Peoria NEXT’s collaborative environment and community of fellow researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs looking to transform new technologies and innovations into thriving enterprises.
IMEC will also co-sponsor five in-person workshops, events, and training opportunities at Peoria NEXT, all designed to help organizations to become more effective and efficient. These opportunities will kick off with an open house on Wednesday, August 2 for interested startups to learn more about all of the transformative services IMEC and Peoria NEXT have to offer. The next event is an in-person training that focuses on “Lean Manufacturing,” will take place Thursday, August 10. For more information or to register, visit www.imec.org/events.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the mission to support manufacturing startups and early-stage companies by leveraging the combined resources and expertise of both Peoria NEXT and IMEC.
“We are thrilled about joining forces with IMEC,” said Michael Stubbs, Director of the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. “This partnership marks an exciting milestone in our collective efforts to support a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. By joining forces, we can provide our member companies with a comprehensive support system to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.”
“The greater Peoria area thrives as a robust manufacturing ecosystem. Building upon our 25-plus year tradition with Bradley University to empower manufacturers with essential resources, the partnership strengthens with continued collaboration for manufacturing growth,” emphasized David Boulay, President of IMEC. “Opportunities like this not only cement our commitment to innovation but also pave the way for enhanced global competitiveness, right here in Illinois.”
Qualified applicants for the lease awards need to be startups that fit into one of the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, including:
- Codes starting with 31 – 33 Manufacturing
- 423510 Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers
- 488991 Packing and Crating
- 541330 Engineering Services
- 541380 Testing Laboratories
- 541711 Research and Development in Biotechnology
- 541712 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- 541713 Research and Development in Nanotechnology
- 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- 561910 Packaging and Labeling Services
- 811310 Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance
Manufacturing startups interested in benefiting from the Peoria NEXT – IMEC partnership can pick up an application at Peoria NEXT, 801 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606, or an application can be emailed upon request. Send requests to mstubbs@bradley.edu.
About the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, the Illinois affiliate of the U.S Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to supporting growth and development in Illinois. IMEC provides technical assistance, training, knowledge, and resources to empower small and midsized manufacturers through the state. For more information, please visit www.imec.org
About the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
The Peoria NEXT Innovation Center is Central Illinois’ business incubator for startups looking to make their mark on the world. Bradley University supports area startups and small businesses through operating and financing the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. Peoria NEXT is designed to meet the needs of expanding businesses and leases research laboratories, private office spaces, and large startup spaces. Peoria NEXT also offers Affiliate Memberships for partner companies to gain access to co-working space. Since 2007, Peoria NEXT has helped launch companies that are collectively worth more than $1 billion, have created more than 1,200 jobs, and have raised more than $462 million in financing. For more information, visit www.bradley.edu/peorianext.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Kolodziej – Marketing Manager
Phone: 608-201-5076
Email: jkolodziej@imec.org
