Aug 10, 2011

Everyday people browse the Internet and magazines looking to emulate the style of their favorite celebrities. Entire websites are devoted to identifying what celebrities are wearing and where to get that exact item or at the very least, a cheaper lookalike. But how about taking it one step further and having a Groupon-like place where proceeds from the sale go...

Aug 3, 2011

In these still unsteady economic times, everyone is trying to save a buck. And for those of us who have not jumped on the extreme couponing bandwagon quite yet, there is a place you can boast about that Banana Republic sweater you found on clearance for $10. Meet BragTaggs. Founder Christopher Sell had the idea for BragTaggs watching his mother, sister and...

Jul 20, 2011

For some, the thought of bringing a child into this world is quite a daunting task. Luckily for new and expecting parents in Chicago, kickSprout offers a chance to meet others in the same new and exciting situation for support. When founders Carlo and Leasa Navarro became parents to their daughter Grae, both had questions that needed answers and not a lot of...

Jul 13, 2011

I admit it: I’m a new-notebooks-and-pens nerd. I always wanted to purchase my school supplies for the next school year as soon as the list came out, which was typically with the final report card of the previous year. Had Lost Crates been around back then, I probably would have had a whole array of paper products delivered to my door on a regular basis. And...

Jun 29, 2011

In March 2011, the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity enacted the Illinois Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. The program gives angel investors a tax break for investing in businesses founded and headquartered in Illinois. Here’s the basic breakdown of information for entrepreneurs and investors. FOR...