CobraVenture: Put your business ideas into action.

• ±·±ð³Ù·É´Ç°ù°ìÌýwith students who also wantÌýto be their own boss.
• BuildÌýyour business plan with helpful workshops.
• Learn from local entrepreneurs.
• Take the chance toÌýpitch your business plan to area leaders.
• °Õ³ó¾±²õÌýno-cost program gives each cohort student a chance to win:
  • $4,000 in seed money for your business
  • $250 to $1,500 in seed money (donated by local entrepreneurs).
• Cohorts start in January and conclude with the Pitch Showcase in May.

Program Details

CobraVenture is a student-entrepreneur cohort for current Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv students who want to start their own business while still in enrolled in college. Students can be part of any academic program, but the thread that ties them together is the desire to take their idea from concept to commerce.ÌýFor the 2024 cohort, students can earn "seed-money" awards up to $3,000 for their business through participation in the CobraVenture Pitch Showcase in May.Ìý

The cohort modelÌýprovides for a close-knit group to embark on the process together, through a series of workshops on topics important to getting their businesses started. Led by a facilitator, workshop topics are presented byÌýParkland faculty, business leaders, and alumni. Students do not receive academic credit for participation, but rather real-world skills that enhance what they have learned in the classroom. Participation is free but requires a high level of dedication. Workshops will be held on Thursday evenings during the spring semester.Ìý

CobraVenture is a collaboration of theÌýOffice of the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Innovation, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv Community Education, and the Parkland Foundation.

Spring 2024 Workshops

All Thursday Workshops will be held from 6 to 8 pm in the Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv Community Education Building, 1315 North Mattis Ave, Champaign, IL 61821.

Cohort Onboarding Session – Thursday January, 18

Defining Your Business – Thursday, January 25

What Are You Selling? – Thursday, February 1

Who Is Your Customer? – Thursday, February 15

Developing a Marketing Plan – Thursday, March 7

Legal Organization and Management – Thursday, March 28

Financial Management – Thursday, April 11

Executive Summary – Thursday, April 25

Pitch Prep and Practice Session* – Monday, April 29

CobraVenture Pitch Showcase* – Monday, May 20

*The Pitch PrepÌýandÌýPractice Session and the Pitch Showcase will be held in the ParklandÌýºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv Student Union.Ìý

Need More Information?Ìý

Contact Marc Changnon, Entrepreneurship Coordinator, at mchangnon@parkland.edu or Cayla WatersÌýat cwaters@parkland.edu. In addition, you can view this video of last year's competition:

Advisory Committee

• ²Ñ²¹°ù³¦ÌýChangnon,ÌýEntrepreneurship Facilitator, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv
• Scott Clanin,ÌýOwner/President,ÌýClanin Marketing
• Steve Gardner, Cozad Asset ManagementÌý
• TrissÌýHenderson, Director, ParklandÌýCommunity Education
• MarkÌýKesler, Retired BusinessÌýFaculty, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv
• Ashly M. Davis, MBA, Business Faculty, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv
• Carly McCrory-McKay, Director, Economic Development Corporation
• Mark Pelmore, CEO, Business Elevator, & Founder, Lincoln & Hill, Inc.
• Colin Ramage, Commercial Portfolio Manager, Busey Bank
• Salvo Rodriquez, MBA, Associate Director of Business Development, Gies ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv of Business, UIUC
• Jonathan Ross, Faculty Chair, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv Career & Technical Education
• Marissa Siero, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship Programing, Grainger ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv of Engineering UIUC
• Cindy Smith, Program Manager, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv Trades Grants
• Stephanie Stuart, Vice President forÌýStrategic Partnerships and Workforce Innovation,ÌýParkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv
• TracyÌýWahlfeldt, Director, Parkland Foundation
• Cayla Waters, Professional Development Program Manager,ÌýParklandÌýCommunity Education
• Madeline Wolske, Director, Illinois Small Business Development
• Maureen Wietecha, Marketing and Digital Content Manager, Parkland ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv