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New Regional Event Connects the Entrepreneurs Shaping the Starved Rock Region’s Future
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE;
New Regional Event Connects the Entrepreneurs Shaping the Starved Rock Region’s Future
Free Fall Startup Social brings the type of entrepreneurial gathering
often found in larger cities to the Starved Rock region.
OTTAWA, IL. — Entrepreneurs, small business owners and community partners from across the Starved Rock region are invited to attend the free Fall Startup Social on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Lone Buffalo in downtown Ottawa.
Presented by Connor Cofoid in partnership with the Ottawa Downtown Association, the Fall Startup Social offers the type of entrepreneur-focused gathering more commonly found in larger cities: a place where founders can build relationships, exchange ideas, learn from other business owners and connect with people who can help them move forward.
“Our region relies heavily on entrepreneurs and small businesses, but the people building those businesses have not always had consistent opportunities to connect with one another,” said event organizer Connor Cofoid. “You should not have to go to Chicago or another large city to find a strong entrepreneurial community. We have talented people building meaningful businesses right here, and this event gives them a place to meet, learn from one another and feel part of something larger.”
The Fall Startup Social builds on the first regional Startup Social, held at August Hill Winery in Utica in July. More than 65 entrepreneurs and community partners attended, representing Princeton, Mendota, Peru, LaSalle, Spring Valley, Streator, Ottawa and Utica.
The strong regional turnout demonstrated a demand for events that bring together entrepreneurs across community lines.
“Building a business can be difficult and lonely at times,” Cofoid said. “These events are designed to remind entrepreneurs that they do not have to do it alone. There are people throughout this region willing to share what they have learned, make introductions and help one another move forward.”
The evening will feature stories and lessons from five entrepreneurs representing different businesses, industries and communities:
• Sophia Pienta, founder of Sugardemon Specialty Bakery in LaSalle. Pienta began her business in her home kitchen and grew it into a downtown LaSalle storefront, which opened in 2025.
• Stephanie and Sean Arteaga, serial entrepreneurs who have built multiple businesses and become a driving force in downtown Mendota. Their current ventures include The Coffee Barn, Main Three Market and other local businesses.
• Pamela Cronkright, Co-founder of Jeremiah Joe Coffee. Pamela and Dewayne Cronkright started their coffee shop in downtown Ottawa more than 20 years ago and has since expanded it to two Ottawa locations, Peru and a new Utica location that opened this summer.
• Martina Matthews, founder of MissChatGPT101. After spending her career working with startups, Matthews recently launched her own company to help small businesses, students and professionals use artificial intelligence to advance their businesses and careers. She is active in Chicago’s technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem and works directly with small businesses through the Polsky Exchange’s Small Business Development Center.
The Startup Socials are part of a growing effort to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Starved Rock region. The goal is to connect entrepreneurs with the people, resources and practical knowledge they need to start, build and grow businesses locally.
Rather than focusing on a single town, organization or industry, the events strengthen relationships across community lines and help entrepreneurs discover the experience, resources and support already available throughout the region.
“Every strong entrepreneurial region is built on connections,” Cofoid said. “When entrepreneurs know one another, learn from one another and have access to the right community partners, the entire region becomes a better place to start and grow a business.”
The Fall Startup Social is free and open to entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, small business owners and community partners from throughout the region.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Fall Startup Social
When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: The Lone Buffalo, Ottawa, Illinois
Admission: Free
Who: Entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, small business owners and community partners
Presented by: Connor Cofoid in partnership with the Ottawa Downtown Association
MEDIA CONTACT
Connor Cofoid
815-993-3113
connor3cofoid@gmail.com
