SmallBusinessExecutiveInforming, Inspiring and Connecting Businesses
Chicago’s cutting-edge clean-energy firms seek funding to meet demand
AllCell, launched in 2001 with technology developed at Illinois Institute of Technology, offers a patented phase-change material technology that absorbs the heat generated from lithium batteries, making them safer and doubling their lifespan, Al-Hallaj said. The batteries are currently being used to power electric scooters and bikes, but soon will be in electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles and trucks, he said. The company has been selling to the military since 2008 and currently is working with top automakers, he said.
GreatPoint Energy turns coal into clean ‘bluegas’
GreatPoint Energy takes coal, which Perlman calls “the dirtiest, cheapest and most abundant fuel,” and turns it into clean natural gas for all sorts of applications. Over time, the clean fuel will reduce global warming while improving health and quality of life in developing countries, Perlman said.
Small Business Beat: City provides bridge over financing obstacles
Chicagoan Gulia Ismailova got some help with financing and other start-up issues from the Small Business Solution Station, a city of Chicago program that helps entrepreneurs get their businesses up and running and current owners stay in business.
What’s old is new again: Digital marketers turn to old-school analytics to land customers
Putting the right promotional offer in front of the right person at the right time was the mantra of old-school direct response marketing. But it’s becoming even more relevant in the digital age. At time when marketing spending has taken a hit from the economy, programs that can deliver customers cost-efficiently are standing out. Evanston-based [...]
To turn around ailing businesses, entrepreneurs buy them back
Mark Seigle, who with brother Harry sold family owned Seigle’s Building Centers in 2005 to Stock Building Supply, is quick to mention the emotional factor that spurred him to buy back a portion of the business six months ago, saving it from disappearing altogether.
