Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) will host an ‘Ask Me Anything’ event with its new executive director, Jay Shanle, on Thursday, April 30, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield. “My day-one commitment was to build a foundation of partnership and communication,” said Shanle. “I want to reintroduce DSI to the community, share our vision and […]
Announcements
Reserve your vendor table – 6th Annual Women’s Business Showcase
Spring is the perfect time to put your business in front of new customers — and the Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois (WE-CI) Women’s Business Showcase is built to do exactly that. Join us on Thursday, April 16, at the Crowne Plaza Springfield for an annual event celebrating women-owned businesses. This is your opportunity to:• […]
AI workshops for local businesses
Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown hub for business incubation and talent development, is launching a six-week artificial intelligence workshop series designed to help local businesses implement practical AI solutions. Nine local businesses are already signed up for the program, which begins Feb. 26. Participants include Itty Bitty Fashion Truck, Bloom Wine & […]
Learn to do business with the state
The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with the IT Procurement Office (ITPO), has announced the launch of a new webinar series titled “Mastering the State Contracting Game” as part of the Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement educational series. This five-part series is designed to equip current and […]
HR essentials for business leaders
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, with presenting sponsor Brown, Hay &Stephens LLP, is offering a HR Essentials for Business Leaders Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 5. The event will take place from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at BRANDT, 2935 S. Koke Mill Road. “Many businesses don’t have a dedicated HR department, but they still face complex employment […]
Make a nomination for Best Places to Work 2026
Each year, Springfield Business Journal and United Community Bank sponsor an awards program that recognizes the Best Places to Work in our community. This awards program is unique, because it requires employees to nominate their own company. The criteria include: Feb. 1 is the deadline to make a nomination for the 2026 awards. The winning […]
Diane Rutledge receives First Citizen Award
Dr. Diane Rutledge is the 63rd recipient of Springfield’s prestigious First Citizen Award. A lifelong educator, mentor and community leader, Rutledge has dedicated more than five decades to improving the lives of children, families and organizations across the Springfield area through her leadership, volunteerism and advocacy. It is, however, Rutledge’s impact outside her role as […]
IDOT to host job fair Nov. 6
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a career fair Thursday, Nov. 6, in Springfield. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in IDOT’s Harry R. Hanley Building at 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway. Representatives from IDOT offices and bureaus who oversee both technical and administrative support responsibilities will be available to […]
American Business Club presents $128K to local charities
The American Business Club of Springfield presented more than $128,000 to Springfield-area charities during a Sept. 30 ceremony held on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The funds were raised through ABC’s volunteer efforts at the 2025 Illinois State Fair managing gate admissions for the 11 days of the Fair. This year, ABC made donations to 63 […]
State to connect small businesses with procurement experts
The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology’s Office of Supplier Diversity and the IT Procurement Office have announced the launch of a new Office Hours program, with the inaugural session scheduled for 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, as part of the “Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement” educational series. “We’re launching this Office Hours program […]
Attend the 15 Under Fifteen reception
Springfield Business Journal and United Community Bank are hosting a reception and awards ceremony to recognize the small businesses who were chosen as this year’s 15 Under Fifteen. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the United Community Bank located at 1900 W. Iles Avenue in Springfield. There is no […]
Free workshops to support small businesses
The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is launching a new community-focused workshop series designed to empower entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members with the tools, resources and connections to help them succeed. “Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses is an important part of economic development, and we’re committed to creating opportunities that uplift and […]

