Economic Development
Perhaps nothing is more critical to creating an equitable city than inclusive economic development. With an understanding that there are no quick fixes, LISC focuses resources on increasing jobs and co-creating economic development strategies that connect human capital to existing or new assets.
LISC Chicago’s vision for our economic development work is that small business owners across the city, especially those in historically disinvested communities and communities of color, have capital, technical assistance, and opportunities for growth that allow them to build wealth in households and neighborhoods. We pursue this vision by investing in people, small businesses, and places.
Equitable development is an approach to creating healthy, vibrant, inclusive communities of opportunity. Equitable outcomes come about when smart, intentional strategies are put in place to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions that shape their neighborhoods and regions.
- Provided affordable loans of over $11M to small businesses and support organizations on Chicago’s South and West Sides.
- Granted over $4M to organizations supporting small businesses and neighborhood economic development efforts.
- Supported over 1,000 Chicago area small businesses with access to capital and technical assistance.
- Participated in coalitions advocating on behalf of small businesses and economic development on the South and West sides.