Help ICNC continue to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses on Giving Tuesday! We will be introducing the departments of ICNC, the work that they do, and their recent successes on this page. 

Donate and WIN!

With each donation of a certain amount, your name will be entered into a raffle to win two exciting prizes! 
  • Gifts of $100 or more - a chance to win 2 admissions to the 2019 Annual ICNC Boat Cruise (Valued at $170)
  • Gifts of $25 - $99 - a chance to win a coffee cupping with Passion House Coffee
*Drawing for winners will be no later than 12/3/18. Winners will be contacted via email with a week to claim the prize before another winner is selected. 

Economic Development

The Economic Development Department advocates to City of Chicago decision makers on behalf of ICNC's small businesses to maintain a healthy business climate. The areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
  • Supporting small business with access to City grants and development opportunities
  • Neighborhood planning and development
  • Addressing issues that impact local job creation

Successes:
  • Advocated for the retention of the Planned Manufacturing District of the Kinzie Corridor
  • Secured the largest SBIF allocation of $2 million in Kinzie Industrial Corridor TIF history
  • Led efforts for the development of a new $50 million Green Line 'L' station at the corner of Damen and Lake

Workforce Development

Through the Workforce Development Department, Priscilla and Nancy provide support to local small business owners with human resources and personnel management. Their support to entrepreneurs include, but are not limited to:
  • Promotion of employment opportunities via the internet and with community based organizations
  • Comprehensive candidate screening and recommendation of top candidates
  • Access to education on labor laws, insurance for employees, personnel management policies, and more​ 
Just ahead of our our busy season, Nancy went above & beyond to help understand our hiring needs... We were able to tangibly hire a full time staffer and a seasonal employee -- both are now critical members of our team... We now plan to coordinate as much as possible with Nancy and her team, as we... remain committed to employing individuals from all walks of life and communities across Chicagoland.
                                                                                                  - Alan Moy, Viet Nom Nom
ICNC hosts an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program that is designed to provide women with the technical training and skills necessary to obtain a professional career in the healthcare industry. 

277 women have successfully graduated from the program since 2008 and recruitment for the 2019 cohort is currently underway. ​
I loved the fact that the EMT program through ICNC focused on women...many of who were just like me at the beginning of the program. Many of us were struggling, in between jobs and just looking for an opportunity. We did not take this for granted and appreciate the chance we were given.
                                                                                                                                 - J. Jones

IL SBDC International Trade Center

The IL SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) provides support to local small business owners who are interested in exporting their products. The ITC offers a variety of services, including:
  • Export Readiness Analysis - Is your small business ready to export?
  • International Trade Counseling - Do you have general questions about exporting?
  • Market Research & Strategy Development - What markets have potential?
  • Exporter Resource Assistance - What free resources are available for your small business?

Illinois Small Business Development Center

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) strengthens both start-up and existing businesses by providing valuable assistance focused on a company's specific needs in the areas of business planning, finance, expansion, and more. 

Make City Incubator

The incubator is unique in its manufacturing focus. We provide growing companies affordable space, business assistance, and place them in an entrepreneurial community that they can benefit from and contribute to.