Do you know the economic impact of ChicagoMSDC’s partnership initiatives? If not, ChicagoMSDC has the answer.
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Allstate Main Street Grant
In 2024, ChicagoMSDC proudly partnered with the Allstate Insurance Company on its Allstate Main Street Grant Program to identify businesses located in the North Lawndale.Little Village and Pilsen communities to be awarded capacity building grants. The Allstate Main Street Grant Program dedicated $1.5M to foster economic empowerment, revitalize underserved communities, and narrow the wealth gap by strategically partnering with Community Development Corporations on the South and West Sides of Chicago. The program aims to provide grants to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits, serving as a catalyst for building capacity, stabilizing community cornerstones, and transforming disinvested areas into hubs for economic development and community renewal. ChicagoMSDC awarded $250,000 to fourteen (14) deserving for profit and non-profit organizations.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative provided business education, support services and access to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs, free of charge. Participants gained practical skills to take their business to the next level, with topics that included financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. Participants developed an actionable growth plan with the help of advisors and like-minded entrepreneurs. These back-office skills are critical to business growth and job creation. Over 50 business owners graduated from this program through ChicagoMSDC and many continue their involvement as alumni. (As of 2024, the initiative runs nationally on a hybrid basis. Interested business owners may contact programs@chicagomsdc.org for more information.
“EmPOWERing Success in the Utility Industry” Powered by Exelon
Foundations is a program sponsored by Exelon Company and administered by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council. It is an executive level program designed to familiarize suppliers with aspects of the utility business. The 6-month academy-type project is geared to providing small businesses with the opportunity to gain knowledge and resources regarding the utility industry. The Foundations participants complete a 4-module curriculum that includes such topics as safety, industry trends, marketing, non-traditional opportunities, business ethics, estimating/value assessment, and contracts & negotiations. The curriculum offers knowledge that supports doing business with utilities, the ability to meet key leaders of Exelon and culminating in a matchmaker session and graduation.