Midland States Bank has recently announced the initial funding of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship. The purpose and mission of the Midland Entrepreneurship Institute is to foster entrepreneurship, particularly among young people. The Institute recognizes that the vitality of a community is its youth, and most do not recognize that starting a business is a choice for their careers. Midland States Bank is partnering with the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation to manage the charitable funds earmarked for the development and operation of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship.
Using the successful formula of the Effingham County CEO class as a model, Midland Institute has hired Craig Lindvahl as the executive director to begin expansion of this concept into Champaign, Illinois. According to Lindvahl, “The Effingham County CEO class teaches two key concepts: how to recognize, start, and run a successful business, as well as the interpersonal skills required for life needs”. I am looking forward to sharing these concepts in other communities interested in investing in their youth.”
The first phase vision of the Midland Institute is to expand into Illinois as well as the St. Louis metropolitan area. Recognizing that one entrepreneurship model will not fit all communities, the Midland Institute will seek to meet the unique needs of targeted communities. Optimally, pushing entrepreneurship education into lower grades will result in a long range plan of fostering entrepreneurship thinking for all ages.
According to Jack Schultz, Chairman of the Board of Midland States Institute and member of the Advisory Board for the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, “It is the small business startups that are the strength of America, and keeping rural communities strong through new business startups is key to the health of those communities”.
For more information about the Midland States Institute for Entrepreneurship contact Sharon Schaubert, Midland States Bank at (217) 342-2141.
