Quad Cities entrepreneurs, developers and those with projects in need of gap funding to advance their initiatives are invited to pitch their ideas and compete for capital at an upcoming forum.
Economic Growth Corp. (GROWTH), headquartered in Rock Island, will host a Pitch. Connect. Fund. Development Forum on Thursday, March 27, at the downtown Holiday Inn Rock Island.
The forum is free. It provides a prime opportunity to pitch projects, engage with key financial decisionmakers, and connect with those who can provide capital to drive impactful growth. Space is limited and the event is expected to reach full capacity.
Pitch. Connect. Fund. is led by Economic Growth Corporation. It is co-sponsored by Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation, Central States Development Partners, Inc., Modern Woodmen of America, and Development Association of Rock Island, Inc.
Since its inception in 2019, Pitch. Connect. Fund. has mobilized more than $300 million in investments across Iowa and Illinois. This year, it will hit more than $500 million in available capital through presenters and pitch panelists.
“Whether you’re launching a business or developing housing or commercial projects, this is where deals can be made, and funding comes to life,” GROWTH said in a news release.
Any business, individual, or nonprofit with a development project or expansion throughout Illinois or Iowa seeking debt capital – ranging from $2,500 to $10,000,000 – should attend. In addition, organizers are encouraging lenders, commercial realtors, business organizations, economic development professionals, and Main Street advocates – with an emphasis on supporting low-income communities – to participate.
Individuals interested in pitching their idea must submit the project by Tuesday, March 25, through this link. Confirmed presenters will receive pitch panel details on March 25. All submissions remain confidential. They are only shared with your designated pitch panel, identified in your confirmation email.
Event is March 27
On March 27, the Pitch. Connect. Fund. event will be from noon to 6:30 p.m. It opens with an introduction from noon to 1 p.m. That’s followed by 1-5 p.m. informative sessions for entrepreneurs. The day concludes with a 5-6:30 p.m. networking reception.
The afternoon sessions will provide insights from top economic development leaders and industry experts. They’re designed to help navigate funding landscapes and optimize participant’s deal strategy. This year’s panel of industry leaders includes: Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen; Baker Tilly Capital, LLC; Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation; Central States Development Partners, Inc.; CIBC US; Five Points Community Capital; National Trust Community Investment Corporation; Prestamos CDFI LLC; and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance.
“Pitch. Connect. Fund. is about creating access to capital and providing real opportunities for businesses and developers ready to make an impact,” GROWTH President & CEO Brian Hollenback said in a news release. “By bringing together key financial decision-makers, we’re ensuring that transformational projects in Illinois and Iowa have the support and knowledge they need to move forward.”
“This unique event delivers high-value insights and connections. Whether you’re a small business owner or a developer tackling a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, this is an event worth attending,” he said.
New to this year’s event will be a Technical Assistance Session for those with a promising project but a need for guidance. Attendees can receive expert insights to refine their pitch and position their project for success. This does not involve one-on-one pitch opportunities. But the session does connect participants with potential funders and can sharpen their funding strategy.
Forum session schedule
The other forum sessions will cover these topics:
- New Market Tax Credits – Unlock incentives and opportunities for projects located in low-income and deeply distressed communities.
- CDFI Lending – Tap into mission-driven capital tailored for small businesses and community initiatives throughout Iowa and Illinois.
- Loan Funds ($500,000 to $4M) – Explore flexible financing for large-scale projects located in low-income, distressed areas.
- Small Business Loan Funds & Microloans – Discover tailored funding solutions for entrepreneurs and startups.
- Historic Tax Credits – Leverage federal and state historic incentives to revitalize properties.
- Deal Structuring – Learn how to structure deals, from basic to complex, with guidance from expert legal counsel. Key topics include: Illinois Rivers Edge Tax Credits, state and federal New Market Tax Credits, and state and federal Historic Tax Credits. Explore challenges with insuring historic properties and other insights from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
For more information, contact GROWTH Senior Vice President Beth Payne at [email protected].
