John O’Donnell is helping several small businesses in the Decatur area get started financially—and he hasn’t even completed his finance degree yet.
At InDecatur Ventures LLC, a venture capital firm that helps fund fledgling small businesses in Decatur, John worked on a variety of projects. “I’ve worked with local businesses developing marketing strategies, working on negotiations with international parties, and preparing financial statements in order to prepare a business plan to submit for potential investment,” he said.
During his internship John has worked closely with fund manager Larry Altenbaumer, whose years of business experience as President and CEO of Illinois Power Company have given John much insight into the world of business and finance. “I write business plans for him, so he gives me a lot of guidance and advice there,” John said. “I’ve learned a lot from him—how he speaks with customers, his business knowledge, how he does things…I learn something new every day.”
Now as he begins his job search, John hopes to continue in the same line of work, helping small businesses get off the ground and begin impacting the community. “I love the work I’m doing (at InDecatur Ventures),” John said. “I’m seeing a different side of business, helping these small businesses get started, because if it doesn’t work, the company doesn’t get paid. So it’s more personal. We all want to make it work.”
