PEORIA MAGAZINE September 2022

The Turner Center also lauded the Chamber and EDC for energizing local commerce, in part through a micro grant program that provides $1,000 to $5,000 for entrepreneurs starting businesses in Morton. Brownpointed tomultipleapproaches to “building the small business/ entrepreneurial ecosystem.” One is “MortonMIXER,” networking sessions that feature advice from seasoned business owners and connect attendees with available resources such as the SBDC.

CEO and executive director of Morton Chamber/EDC

Another is the SmartStar Dashboard Platform that shepherds would-be entrepreneurs through hoops and over hurdles in all facets of getting a business up and running and helps them grow following start-up. “The SBDC is a key service provider and mentor resource throughout this system,” Brown said. “This is a way to channel people down the right … path for success.” The Chamber and EDC often use their websites to link to SBDC services and information. Plus, the Morton groups invite SBDC staff to events as a way to foster new and continued connections throughout the business community. Meantime, Turner helps Morton get plugged into further help from Bradley. For instance, Brown recalls a 2019 “workforce livability analysis” done in part via a BU senior project. The study highlighted areas that Morton needed to address, including opportunities and challenges in the residential market, as well as a “perception of Morton being a higher-dollar market to live in,” Brown said. The study helped sparked plans for several apartment developments, totaling more than 100 rental units. With that kind of success, expect Turner to continue to have a positive effect on Morton.

Phil Luciano is a senior writer/columnist for Peoria Magazine and content contributor to public television station WTVP

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