Earlier this week, I was invited to an exclusive event hosted by Mars at Hotel Chocolat, where I had the opportunity to connect with a remarkable group of founders, business leaders, and government officials, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The evening was both intimate and inspiring, filled with conversations about the future of business and the evolving landscape of innovation here in Illinois.
Governor Pritzker shared his perspective on economic growth, innovation and the power of entrepreneurship to drive our state forward. Listening to his remarks alongside fellow entrepreneurs and leaders reminded me just how critical it is to create an environment where startups can flourish.
As a founder who has built businesses from the ground up right here in Illinois, I know firsthand that entrepreneurship is the single most powerful force for economic growth. Startups create jobs, attract investment, and generate new ideas that keep our economy dynamic. But more than that, entrepreneurship builds resilience by empowering individuals to take risks, solve meaningful problems, and contribute to their communities.
My journey as an entrepreneur has taught me that innovation is not just a buzzword. It’s a mindset that demands creativity and grit. As well as a willingness to challenge what already exists. I’ve spent years bringing new ideas to market, leading teams and navigating the unique challenges that come with building something from nothing. Along the way, I’ve seen how supportive ecosystems, from access to early-stage capital to policies that remove unnecessary barriers, can be the deciding factor in whether an idea succeeds or stalls.
Illinois has long been a place of big ideas and bold entrepreneurs. We’re home to top universities and industries as diverse as manufacturing, agriculture, biotech, food, and technology. But if we want to lead the next chapter of economic growth, we must double down on making Illinois the best place in the country to start and scale a business. That means investing in education to prepare the next generation of innovators. It means creating programs that encourage diverse founders to pursue their ideas. And it means ensuring entrepreneurs have access to mentorship, networks, and funding that can transform a vision into a thriving enterprise.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my own career is that entrepreneurship doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It thrives in communities that believe in the power of new ideas. Events like the one hosted by Mars and Hotel Chocolat prove how impactful it can be to bring together leaders from the private and public sectors, along with entrepreneurs who are actively shaping what comes next. These gatherings spark conversations that can lead to partnerships, policies, and initiatives that support growth not just for individual companies, but for our entire state.
I believe that as founders, we have a responsibility to use our voices and experiences to advocate for a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. We need to be open and feel comfortable sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what we need to keep building. We also need to celebrate the successes happening right here in Illinois, because every successful startup shows what is possible and inspires the next wave of innovators.
At the Mars event, I saw firsthand that leaders across business and government understand the importance of startups to the health of our economy. Governor Pritzker’s commitment to innovation gives me hope for the future of our state. But we can’t rely on policymakers alone. As entrepreneurs, we must continue pushing for progress, fostering collaboration, and championing the belief that anyone with a great idea and the determination to pursue it should have the opportunity to succeed.
Looking ahead, I am more convinced than ever that Illinois has the potential to be a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. By bringing founders to the table, prioritizing inclusive growth, and creating a culture that celebrates creativity and risk
taking, we can build a more vibrant, resilient economy for everyone.
I am grateful for opportunities like this event that remind me why I am so passionate about entrepreneurship, and I am committed to doing my part to make Illinois a place where entrepreneurs can dream big, build boldly, and thrive.