Entrepreneurs and ILGIF

Discover how the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund connects entrepreneurs, businesses and investors with capital to create opportunities and drive growth across the state.

Creating Jobs, Driving Innovation. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Compilation of images from businesses.

Growing a Business Is a Bit Like Raising Kids

For people who know I have twins, a common question I get asked is: “Are the twins letting you sleep at night?” Max and Theo have been good sleepers for some time now. They let Erica and me get a good night’s sleep most nights. What they don’t let us do is rest any minute they are awake. These boys have a lot of energy. They are always moving but don’t yet understand the risks associated with many of their…

Read MoreGrowing a Business Is a Bit Like Raising Kids
Aerial view of Frerichs family farm

Connectivity Creates Competitiveness

I recently read a description of an outhouse: A small building a hundred feet from your house that’s a hundred feet too far in the winter, and a hundred feet too close in the summer. This reminded me of a conversation I had with Dad a few years ago. I grew up with indoor plumbing. Every friend I knew had indoor plumbing. My father did not until he was about 8. Before then, he had to use an outhouse and…

Read MoreConnectivity Creates Competitiveness