Development Forum to grow Illinois and Iowa. 

Pitch. Connect. Fund. is your chance to pitch your deal, network with key investors, and access low-cost capital to meet your funding needs. If your project creates jobs, stimulates growth, and helps transform communities, this is where it all comes together. Since its debut in 2019, Pitch. Connect. Fund. has driven over $300 million in investments across Iowa and Illinois—and this year, we’re scaling up to bring over $500 million in capital through our esteemed presenters and pitch panelists.

Afternoon Sessions: Learn. Strategize.
Gain expert insights into key capital sources and actionable strategies to secure funding and drive impactful projects. Join top economic development leaders as they discuss:
  • New Market Tax Credits – Incentives and opportunities in underserved communities and severely distressed areas.
  • CDFI Lending – Leverage mission-driven capital for businesses and community initiatives.
  • Loan Funds ($500,000 to $4M)- Explore flexible financing options for large-scale projects.
  • Small Business Loan Funds & Microloans – Secure tailored funding solutions for entrepreneurs.
  • Historic Tax Credits – Maximize federal and state historic incentives to revitalize properties.
  • Green Lending – Access funding for sustainable and energy-efficient developments in eligible areas.
  • Deal Structuring – Learn how to structure deals with Illinois-specific incentives from expert legal counsel.
  • Property Insurance – Learn opportunities and strategies from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

New This Year: Technical Assistance Session
For projects not yet fully developed, this session provides expert guidance to refine your pitch and connect with funders. While it does not include one-on-one pitches, it offers valuable exposure and relationship-building opportunities within the funding community.
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Submit Your Pitch & Get Funded
Ready to take the stage? Submit your pitch by March 20, 2025, via the QR code or website. Notifications will be sent March 25, 2025, and all submissions remain confidential until shared with your pitch panel. Don’t miss out—Your next big opportunity starts here.​​
100 19th Street, STE 109
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-794-6711
​[email protected]
Economic Growth Corporation and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Providers.

Fair Housing/ Equal Opportunity Statements:
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. ​​In accordance with federal law and the U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, Central States Development Partners, Inc. is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  

Conflict of Interest Statement:
Economic Growth Corporation and its affiliates (collectively, GROWTH) require staff and members of the Board of Directors to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to GROWTH’s activities, to conduct themselves ethically and with integrity; and to avoid any conflict between their own interests and the interests of GROWTH.