Friday, June 12, 2026 I 8:30AM - 4:00PM I Fischer Theatre
Welcome to the Entrepreneur Launch Lab, hosted by Downtown Danville Inc. and supported by The Vermilion Standard and several other local business sponsors! Whether you are exploring a brand-new business idea or looking to grow an existing venture, this workshop is designed to give you the practical tools, local knowledge, and personal connections you need to succeed right here in Danville, Illinois.
Our community is growing, and downtown Danville is experiencing a wave of new energy and investment. You are part of that momentum. Today, we will work through the essential building blocks of launching a business from legal structure and marketing to financing and finding the right space. By the end of the day, you will have a personalized action plan and a network of supporters ready to help you take the next step.
Let’s build something great together.
Workshop Overview
Early Bird: $129 until Friday, May 22
General Admission: $149
Workshop Learning Objectives
By the end of today’s workshop, you will be able to:
-Understand the steps to legally organize a business in Illinois
-Identify your target market and build a business plan
-Explore financing options including TIF incentives available in Danville
-Tour and evaluate commercial spaces in downtown Danville
-Connect with local support organizations and resources
-Leave with a personalized 90-day action plan
What to Expect
This is a hands-on, interactive workshop. You won’t just listen, you’ll do. Throughout the day, you will participate in group exercises, complete individual planning worksheets, and take a walking tour of available commercial spaces in downtown Danville. Bring your questions, your ideas, and your enthusiasm. This workbook is yours to keep and will serve as your reference guide long after today’s workshop ends.
Workshop Agenda
Below is the full schedule for today’s workshop. Please refer to this throughout the day.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration & Welcome Coffee, Sign in, pick up materials, networking
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM: Opening & Introductions, Welcome remarks, downtown vision, and entrepreneurial opportunities
9:20 AM – 10:00 AM: Keynote Speaker, Ross Darby, Greenwood Inc.
10:00 – 12:10PM: Rotating Breakout Sessions (attend all 3)
Breakout Session 1
Group 1: Organizing Your Business
Business structures, registration, licensing, legal basics, business plan
Group 2: Marketing Your Business
Target market, branding, digital marketing, social media basics
Group 3: Financing Your Business
Funding sources, loans, grants, TIF incentives, budgeting
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM: Lunch Break, Eat at your favorite Downtown Location!
1:15 – 1:50 PM: Panel Discussion, Current downtown business owners share insights and before & after transformations
1:55 – 2:15 PM: Debrief and Action Planning, Identify next steps, complete 90-day plan, schedule consultations and outline support resources, evaluation forms
2:20 PM – 3:45 PM: Downtown Property Tours, Walking tour of available commercial spaces
4:00 PM: Social hour/Networking, Location TBD
This event is sponsored by Downtown Danville Inc., The Vermilion Standard, Amanda Galloway with Country Financial, Requite Tattoo, Clarity Design Co., Two Roads Wellness Clinic, Fisher National Bank, The City of Danville, Greenwood Inc, and Atlas Total Home.
