The founder of A-Venture Creative Firm is using lobby day in Springfield to fight for resources
Terrell Davis is not waiting for opportunity to come to him. As the founder of A-Venture Creative Firm, a technology company focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses increase visibility through digital tools, Davis has built his work around a simple but urgent mission: getting resources to the communities that need them most. A product of deep southern Illinois, Davis attended Howard University and Delaware State University before channeling his education into entrepreneurship rooted in underrepresented spaces.
On a recent lobby day hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce in Springfield, Illinois, Davis sat down to talk about why showing up in the state capital matters, what meaningful connections look like and how small business owners can stay plugged into the decisions that shape their futures.
You’re here for lobby day at the Black Chamber of Commerce. Why does this day matter to you?
I’m from Downstate Illinois — the furthest part of southern Illinois you can get. Being able to connect resources and access to opportunities, and doing that here in Springfield while bridging the gap toward Chicago, that’s what it’s about for me. It’s not just about bringing opportunities downstate. It’s about making sure folks up here know who we are too, so we can build real access for our communities.
Tell us about your business.
I run a technology company called A-Venture Creative Firm. I help small and medium-sized businesses increase their visibility through technology, and I specifically work in underrepresented communities. That focus is intentional. These are the businesses that often get overlooked when it comes to digital tools and resources, and I want to change that.
Why is it important for business owners to know their state representatives, especially on days like this?
Right now, the House and Senate are both in session, which means the people making decisions are actually here. Days like today give you a direct line to get in front of them, voice your opinions about different bills, different opportunities, different issues — whatever matters to you. Depending on who your state rep is, you can walk into their office and have a real conversation. We don’t get that window very often throughout the year, so it’s important to take full advantage when it opens.
What have been some of the most impactful connections you’ve made today?
Every time I come to Springfield, something meaningful happens. Today was about connecting with different agencies, finding out where the funding is, what got cut, what’s coming up and where things stand heading into the year. It’s always an update, and that update is always valuable. That’s why I try to make it out here every year — there’s always something new moving.
How do you feel about today overall?
It was a good day. I was here last year in 2025, so it was great to reconnect, see familiar faces and put faces to emails. That’s the part people underestimate — the relationship building. Staying involved in the development happening around you, staying current on the opportunities coming forward — that’s how you stay relevant and keep your community moving in the right direction.
How can people find you and learn more about your work?
You can Google me — Terrell Davis, Howard University, Delaware State University. A-Venture Creative Firm should be the first result that comes up. That’s A-V-E-N-T-U-R-E Creative Firm. You can also find me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Wherever you are, whatever’s unfamiliar, I try to find something relatable and build from there.