The Start Show is produced by Right to Start, a campaign to rebuild the American economy by fighting for entrepreneurial opportunity for all of us. Join us as we take a virtual road trip to communities across the country to find out first-hand where they've been, where they are, and where they're going.  

In our second episode, we visit Peoria, IL, a quintessential Midwestern community with roots in agriculture and manufacturing. Can a city like Peoria thrive in a pandemic? How does entrepreneurship "play in Peoria," and what challenges can it help surmount? Join us as we find out from some of the area's most passionate entrepreneurs and policymakers.  

Visit us at www.righttostart.org to sign up for our newsletter and find out how you can help the movement.  

Guests (in order of appearance):  

Christell Frausto (Owner, Mezcal & Miel Co. and Christell Frausto Agency; President, Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)  

Michael Hatfield (Co-Owner, Zion Coffee Co.; Business Development Manager, Caterpillar Inc.) https://www.zioncoffeeco.com/ 

De & John Ingles (Founders, Smiley Graphix Studio)  

Marci Goodwin (Social Media Strategist, Leverage Social) https://www.leverageyoursocial.com/ 

Juliana Stratton (Lieutenant Governor, State of Illinois)  

Denise Moore (Councilperson, City of Peoria)  

Leigh Ann Brown (CEO, Morton Economic Development Council) https://mortonedc.org/ 

Jim Ardis (Mayor, City of Peoria) http://www.peoriagov.org/ 

Jake Hamann (Founder & Executive Director, Peoria Innovation Alliance) https://peoriainnovationalliance.org/ 

This episode's coffee is courtesy of Zion Coffee Co.  

Let's Get Started.