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.

Melvin Leach, a case worker for the Harvey Brooks Foundation of Joliet, is aware of the lack of grocery stores in the city’s predominately African American neighborhoods. But living in a food desert hits harder some days than others, he said.

In some ways, it seems like a long time has passed since NICI launched one year ago. Illinois was moving back into restrictions again due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, and we quickly changed our launch celebration event into a virtual one.

A common focus shared by officials and local leaders throughout Illinois is cultivating its communities and infrastructure.

Funding will support micro-transit strategy, educational enrichment and diverse entrepreneurs