Distillery Labs officially opens for business

Distillery Labs logo

Distillery Labs held the official ribbon cutting for its new innovation hub on July 30. The event marked a significant milestone in the mission to support startup founders and small businesses.

Located in downtown Peoria, Distillery Labs is set to become a cornerstone of innovation and entrepreneurship for the Greater Peoria area. By providing a dedicated space for startups and small businesses, Distillery Labs aims to foster a vibrant community where all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to learn, connect, grow and thrive. The new facility offers a range of resources, including coworking spaces, mentorship programs, networking events, and access to essential business tools.

"We are excited to open our doors and welcome the community to Distillery Labs," said Doug Cruitt, Executive Director of Distillery Labs. "Our goal is to create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can collaborate, innovate, and grow their businesses. The ribbon cutting is just the beginning of many great things to come."

Distillery Labs was launched in 2019, funded through a $10 million grant that is part of the larger Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). It is one of 15 hubs developed across the state of Illinois including ones in Chicago, Dekalb and Champaign-Urbana and is the first one to officially open.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was on hand for the original announcement unveiling the vision for Distillery Labs and sent his congratulations.

"The Illinois Innovation Network represents a nexus of partnerships, innovation hubs, public and private universities, and national laboratories that will drive startups and small businesses to new heights in Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With the opening of this new innovation hub, Distillery Labs is turning that vision into a reality for entrepreneurs in the Peoria region, proving that our commitment to making Illinois the best state to start and grow a business extends to every corner of our state.”

OSF HealthCare, the University of Illinois System, Illinois Central College, and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council have been key supporters in developing Distillery Labs.

“Distillery Labs is committed to strengthening the local economy by nurturing the next generation of business leaders. By bridging the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and the resources they need to succeed, Distillery Labs is poised to make a lasting impact on the Peoria community,” added Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.

Among other things, Distillery Labs will be dedicated to finding solutions to improve the wellness of underserved populations and advance systems related to food, farming, and transportation and will contain spaces for startups, corporate partners, community organizations, universities and other stakeholders. A specific focus of the Labs will be crafting a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment.