Ottawa, IL – The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Downtown Association are proud to announce they have been awarded a $7,500 grant from Midland States Bank to support StartUp Starved Rock, a newly launched initiative designed to help new businesses take root and thrive in Ottawa, Illinois.
The grant from Midland States Bank, combined with an additional $7,500 award from the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, brings the program’s initial funding total for 2026 to $15,000. These funds will be used to provide startup seed money, training, and ongoing support for newly established businesses in Ottawa.
StartUp Starved Rock is focused on strengthening the local economy by lowering barriers for entrepreneurs and equipping new business owners with the resources they need to succeed. The initiative will provide financial assistance in conjunction with education, mentorship, and connections to local business-support networks, enabling entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into sustainable operations.
Jay McCracken, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, shared, “We are very excited to announce the formation of StartUp Starved Rock, an innovative program that is designed to support entrepreneurs as they create business ideas into sustainable operations. This business incubator program should provide opportunities to fill open storefronts, thus enhancing our already thriving downtown business district.
The partnership between the Ottawa Downtown Association and the Ottawa Area Chamber provides a solid foundation on which local business entities can grow and prosper. The City of Ottawa continues to work closely with our organizations, and this exemplary collaboration leads to success in our community.
We also express our deep appreciation to the Midland States Bank Foundation and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation for their support and belief in our mission.”
The program reflects a shared commitment among local partners to invest in entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, and foster business growth that is rooted in the Ottawa community. By supporting new ventures at their earliest stages, StartUp Starved Rock aims to support long-term economic vitality and expand opportunities for residents and business owners alike.
More details about eligibility, application timelines, and program offerings will be announced shortly.
For more information, please contact:
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
Jay McCracken, Executive Director
j.mccracken@ottawachamberillinois.com
Ottawa Downtown Association
Cassi Skoflanc, President
hello@ottawadowntownassociation.org
