For Immediate Release – January 26, 2024
Executive Director of Elevate Announces Departure
After helping grow Elevate from an idea to the county’s first collaborative community for co-working, entrepreneurship, and small business development, Carlos Ortega has announced he has accepted a new position. As Executive Director at Elevate since its inception in 2019, Ortega has been instrumental in growing the co-working space where ideas are turned into businesses, entrepreneurs are innovating, business start-ups are supported, and occupants are collaborating and networking.
“Elevate provides a shared workspace, offices, and conference rooms, along with the services, professional network, and resources necessary to support entrepreneurs and businesses in their effort to bring new ideas, new products, and new growth to the region,” said Ortega. “Since inception, Elevate has served 180 clients, helped establish 17 new businesses, and assisted 46 existing companies grow their business. By networking with other businesses utilizing the space, clients are able to learn from and support each other. That is the additional benefit of a collaborative space,” added Ortega.
In a recent partnership with Eastern Illinois University, Elevate successfully applied for a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) designation from the Illinois SBDC Network to bring additional services to entrepreneurs and businesses in the county. “The Illinois SBDC at Elevate provides an additional depth of services that include developing a business plan, financial analysis, market research, and feasibility studies,” said Blake Pierce, Chairman of the Board of Elevate. “SBDCs have existed throughout Illinois for decades, but this will be the first location in Coles County. The board is pleased Carlos and leaders in the School of Business at EIU recognized and pursued the opportunity to bring this important small business resource to the county.”
Conceived during Mattoon in Motion, the City of Mattoon’s community planning effort, Elevate was established in 2019 with support from the community and a $250,000 Google™ grant. Elevate’s mission is to encourage, connect, and grow small and start-up businesses in the region. Elevate is also home to Class-E, a dual credit entrepreneurship class for high school students in Coles County.
“Carlos has played a unique role in taking Elevate from an idea to a space that serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and business development in Coles County. His passion and enthusiasm laid the foundation for success in our young organization. The board looks forward to building on that foundation through the partnership with EIU, which will enhance Elevate’s resources and add a new dimension of opportunities for Coles County,” said Pierce.
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