The Southland Development Authority’s First NICI Impact Grant is a Step Towards Regional Prosperity
The Southland Development Authority (SDA) is a non-profit business organization designed to grow the economy of South Suburban Cook County. Launched in 2019 by business, civic, and political leaders across the Southland, the SDA brings the resources and capacity necessary to achieve transformative and inclusive economic growth for the region. SDA’s socioeconomic transformation focus addresses decades of disinvestment, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and discriminatory policies seen throughout the Southland.
Northern Illinois Community Initiatives (NICI)’s $100,000 Impact Grant supports SDA’s innovative idea to create a financial investment tool that will directly support the Southland’s communities, businesses, and projects. This tool combines government, philanthropic, and private equity funds with the goal of leveraging pathways to capital, generational wealth, and regional industry growth for years to come. NICI is proud to invest in this tool and its proactive, systemic approach to economic mobility in the region.
“NICI's contribution will significantly enhance the Southland Development Authority's efforts to provide essential financial resources and support to local businesses in the Southland, as well as continue our mission of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and revitalizing our communities.”
— Bo Kemp, CEO