The Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center’s first-ever ELEVATE awards fundraiser was a win-win in every sense, recognizing business local innovation, excellence and enterprise while raising $50,000 to help others do the same.

The center’s ELEVATE fundraiser, held in October at the St. Charles Country Club, was the inaugural event for the organization.

“We have awesome entrepreneurs and appreciate the people that support them,” said Austin Dempsey, president of the FVEC. “The FVEC is here to champion those entrepreneurs and help them become a solid part of the Fox Valley area.”

Joseph Slawek, chairman of FONA International, was the keynote speaker for the event. An entrepreneur himself, he spoke of the passion each businessperson has to reach their goals, bring their ideas to life and how they cannot do it alone.  He went on to describe how they need the support of those around them.

“Our Fox Valley community is a wonderful place,” Slawek said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

The money raised through a silent auction, paddle raise and outright donations was matched dollar for dollar by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. All money goes directly toward helping businesses accepted into the FVEC program. These businesses receive expert guidance from consultants with the experience, knowledge and understanding of how to achieve company success.

Kim Elam, owner of Kimmer’s Ice Cream knows this firsthand. Going through the program helped her streamline her business and taught her necessary lessons. Because of this, Elam was able to open a second location and has her sights set on a third.

Included in the festivities were three awards given to nominated businesses or individuals who stood out in the categories of Innovator, Community Business and Entrepreneur of the Year. Nominees went through a rigorous selection process and were judged on their success in business, annual growth, community involvement and company culture.

Kelmscott Communications was named Innovator of the Year;,FONA International was the Community Business of the Year and Kim Elam of Kimmer’s Ice Cream won Entrepreneur of the Year.

The FVEC continually reviews applications and invites select businesses to pitch their companies to the board. Companies accepted into the program are then given assistance depending on what the company needs to grow. The consultants provided work closely with the entrepreneurs, often on a daily basis, to reach goals. For more about the application and selection process, visit www.fvec.org.

About the FVEC

The Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center (FVEC) began in 2010 as a collaboration between several local entrepreneurs and supporting organizations. The mission of the FVEC is to provide critical support to companies to help them create jobs, expand their business and grow revenue. Further, they foster an environment in which businesses strive for excellence and where innovation is nourished. This is accomplished through training and advising the business owner, providing strategic introductions and engaging in strategic/growth planning across all areas of a business. As a non-profit, the center supports these programs through private donations and grants. To learn more about the FVEC, visit their website at www.fvec.org.