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Smart Start is TechNest's community program created to give back to the Chicagoland area we are proud to call home. Each month we choose one household or small business to receive a complimentary smart technology upgrade that makes everyday life a little easier, safer or more enjoyable. The program is built on genuine care, local impact and the belief that everyone deserves comfort, security and convenience. Anyone can enter or nominate a neighbor, and every Smart Start project highlights how thoughtful, well installed technology can create real change for real people in our community.

HOW IT WORKS

Smart Start is designed to be simple for everyone in the Chicagoland community. Each month, we select one household or small business to receive a complimentary smart technology upgrade that makes a real difference in their everyday life. Anyone can enter or nominate someone else, and the process is straightforward from start to finish.

1

Enter or nominate

Complete a short form about yourself or someone you would like to nominate and explain how a smart upgrade would make everyday life easier.

2

Review and selection

Every entry is carefully reviewed. Each month we select one household or small business where technology can genuinely improve comfort, safety or convenience.

3

Plan the solution

We speak with the selected recipient, assess their space and design the right smart solution. We take care of the products and planning.

4

Install and support

Our team installs everything with care and makes sure it works properly, leaving the recipient confident and comfortable using it.

5

Share the impact

With your permission, we share the story to show how thoughtful technology can make a real difference.

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family or small business

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FAQs

Anyone living or operating a small business in the Chicagoland area can be entered. You do not need to be a TechNest customer.

No. You can nominate someone privately, and we will only contact them if they are selected.

No. The program is open to everyone. Whether someone has moved into a new home, wants to improve comfort or security or could benefit from a more reliable setup, Smart Start is for the whole community.

Upgrades may include smart security, lighting, networking, audio, smart automation or a combination of services that meaningfully improve daily life or business operations.

We select one household or small business every month.

No. If you are selected, the upgrade and installation are provided at no cost as part of our commitment to giving back to the community.

We contact the selected household or business, learn more about their needs and plan the upgrade. We handle all installation and setup.

We only share stories, photos or videos with your permission. You can still participate without agreeing to public sharing.

Most Smart Start upgrades are scheduled and completed within the month after selection.

Yes. Small businesses in the Chicagoland area are encouraged to enter or be nominated.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Applicants or nominees must live or operate a small business within the Chicagoland area.
  • Entries may be submitted by the individual themselves or by a friend, family member, neighbor or community member.
  • You may only enter or nominate once per month.
  • If selected, you can only be a recipient once and will not be eligible for future Smart Start selections.
  • Only one household or business will be chosen each month.
  • Selected recipients must be available for a short consultation and installation scheduling.
  • Installations must take place in a location that the nominee owns, rents or lawfully operates.
  • Upgrades will be chosen by the TechNest team based on the needs and suitability of the space.
  • Recipients must be at least 18 years old or have a parent or guardian involved in the process.
  • Participants are not required to be existing TechNest customers.
  • Story or photo sharing is optional and not required for eligibility.
  • TechNest reserves the right to make final selections based on safety, suitability and program capacity.

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