Northern Illinois Community Initiatives' Spring newsletter shares Executive Director Tovah McCord's thoughts on small business support as one of NICI's core pillars. Read further to learn how philanthropic investments have the power to strengthen minority- and women-owned small businesses.

Through grant support from NICI, Think Big! has been able to sustain and expand the School of Business, a four-week program for entrepreneurs at every stage to learn skills and receive coaching that will strengthen their businesses.

Thanks to a $10,800 loan supported by our NICV program, Brittney Jeter saw her vision for an adult day service come to life. The Young 60 Plus Club takes a proactive approach to helping seniors stay active, providing social services, community resources, and activities.

“The pandemic killed my business,” says Hector Delgado of Sensory Partners, Inc., but thanks to a $2,500 NICV loan, Sensory Partners could acquire the necessary materials to develop a one-of-a-kind marinade — securing a $250K restaurant contract.

What does economic mobility look like in action? This month, we dive into how NICI’s programs and the great work of our grantee partners are fostering economic mobility in our communities.

Through a $25,000 NICV loan, Youth Transformational Services will complete the development of a mobile game app that teaches SEL and conflict resolution skills to students.

Through adapting to the unique needs of the six counties served while championing the YWCA’s larger mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA Northwestern Illinois has grown into a significant driver of workforce development in the region.

We are pleased to announce the debut of Northern Illinois Community Initiatives’ new, quarterly newsletter!

NICI’s mission is to build a more vibrant and equitable region by investing in bold economic development initiatives that help underserved communities thrive.

Latania Johnson began offering mobile and remote notary services as part of her tax preparation business is one that most people can relate to.

Why did a nonprofit founded to promote HIV prevention and testing in low-income communities do a hard pivot to become an employment solutions provider?

A Rockford woman wanted to open a soul food restaurant. She signed a lease for a 1,500-square-foot space and hired seven employees but didn’t purchase a POS system.

There’s a popular proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

On July 20th, NICI announced a total commitment of $100,000 to Proactive Community Services in Flossmoor.

NICI announced a grant renewal of $100,000 to the Harvey Brooks Foundation in Joliet.

Northern Illinois Community Initiatives (NICI), a foundation created by Nicor Gas, today announced a total commitment of $200,000 to Think Big! and YWCA Northwestern Illinois.

It’s a fact that women, Blacks and Hispanics are the least likely to major in science and engineering in college. Even when they do, they aren’t as likely to remain on a STEM career path through graduation.

Borrowing money has become more expensive and restrictive, making access to capital even harder.

Northern Illinois Community Initiatives announced a new economic development program called Northern Illinois Community Ventures (NICV).

Think Big!, founded in 2018, helps disadvantaged entrepreneurs overcome barriers to establishing and growing their own businesses.