Broader Tech Community In addition to the resources provided by Research Park, Champaign-Urbana is home to a broader tech community that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. Champaign County organizations help support entrepreneurship through programs including the SBDC, Urbana-Champaign Angel Network, First Friday mentoring, and TechMix social events. Urbana-Champaign Angel Network (UCAN) The mission of the Urbana-Champaign Angel Network (UCAN) is to provide a forum for accredited investors to access and review selected investment opportunities in a confidential, efficient and effective manner. UCAN’s emphasis is to further economic development in the Champaign County area by matching capital providers with some of the best startup business opportunities. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) SBDCs provide assistance to new and existing small businesses. First Friday Business Review First Friday (formerly known as Second Saturday) is a group of local business people with a variety of backgrounds who get together the first Friday of each month to review business plans and give feedback to startup companies, primarily high-tech. For more information or to apply to pitch, contact First Friday organizer Don Elmore. The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. EDC is the force behind the You’re Welcome CU campaign that highlights the tech and innovations that are growing out of Champaign-Urbana. Learn More Learn more about the local tech community at yourewelcomecu.com. Explore our calendar for upcoming tech-focused events.
