CobraVenture

cobraVenture

CobraVenture: Put your business ideas into action.

  • Network with students who also want to be their own boss.
  • Build your business plan with helpful workshops.
  • Learn from local entrepreneurs.
  • Take the chance to pitch your business plan to area leaders.
  • This no-cost program gives each cohort student a chance to win:
    • $4,000 in seed money for your business
    • $250 to $1,500 in seed money (donated by local entrepreneurs).
  • Cohorts start in January and conclude with the Pitch Showcase on May 19, 2025.

Program Details

CobraVenture is a student-entrepreneur cohort for current Parkland College students who want to start their own business while still in enrolled in college. Students can be part of any academic program, but the thread that ties them together is the desire to take their idea from concept to commerce. For the 2024 cohort, students can earn "seed-money" awards up to $3,000 for their business through participation in the CobraVenture Pitch Showcase in May. 

The cohort model provides for a close-knit group to embark on the process together, through a series of workshops on topics important to getting their businesses started. Led by a facilitator, workshop topics are presented by Parkland faculty, business leaders, and alumni. Students do not receive academic credit for participation, but rather real-world skills that enhance what they have learned in the classroom. Participation is free but requires a high level of dedication. Workshops will be held on Thursday evenings during the spring semester. 

CobraVenture is a collaboration of the Office of the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Innovation, Parkland College Community Education, and the Parkland Foundation.

Advisory Committee

  • Marc Changnon, Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Parkland College
  • Scott Clanin, Owner/President, Clanin Marketing
  • Steve Gardner, Cozad Asset Management 
  • Triss Henderson, Director, Parkland Community Education
  • Mark Kesler, Retired Business Faculty, Parkland College
  • Ashly M. Davis, MBA, Business Faculty, Parkland College
  • Carly McCrory-McKay, Director, Economic Development Corporation
  • Mark Pelmore, CEO, Business Elevator, & Founder, Lincoln & Hill, Inc.
  • Colin Ramage, Commercial Portfolio Manager, Busey Bank
  • Salvo Rodriquez, MBA, Associate Director of Business Development, Gies College of Business, UIUC
  • Jonathan Ross, Faculty Chair, Parkland College Career & Technical Education
  • Marissa Siero, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship Programing, Grainger College of Engineering UIUC
  • Cindy Smith, Program Manager, Parkland College Trades Grants
  • Stephanie Stuart, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Innovation, Parkland College
  • Tracy Wahlfeldt, Director, Parkland Foundation
  • Cayla Waters, Professional Development Program Manager, Parkland Community Education
  • Madeline Wolske, Director, Illinois Small Business Development
  • Maureen Wietecha, Associate Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Parkland College

Need More Information? 

Contact Marc Changnon, Entrepreneurship Coordinator, at mchangnon@parkland.edu or Cayla Waters at cwaters@parkland.edu.