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.​​

    RSVP to Attend for Free

Guidelines and Details for Project Pitches

Deadline
Submit your pitch by March 20,  2025, at 5:00 p.m. CT. No late submissions will be accepted. You will receive email confirmation of your submission on March 25, 2025.
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Confidentiality
Your project will remain confidential and will only be shared when connecting with your pitch panel.

Next Steps
All those who submit pitches will receive an email with their itinerary on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, detailing the next steps.

​Disclaimer
Pitches that are not fully developed will be directed to a technical assistance session as part of the Pitch Connect Fund. This session provides valuable opportunities to refine your pitch and connect with investors and funders, though it will not include a one-on-one pitch presentation. Participants will still benefit from meaningful exposure, networking, and the ability to establish relationships with investors and funders.

    Pitching a Project? ​Submit by March 20, 2025.

    Max file size: 20MB
    By clicking submit, I understand and agree to the following:
    • I will be expected to bring copies of my project and present it to a panel of potential investors at the Pitch. Connect. Fund. Development Forum.
    • I acknowledge that submitting my project pitch does not guarantee funding.
    • I understand that additional due diligence will be required on my part to finalize the funding process, which may include providing further financial documentation, clarifying project details, or meeting specific investor criteria.
    • I agree to cooperate with Economic Growth Corporation to complete any necessary steps associated with my project pitch.

Presented by: 
Holiday Inn Rock Island- Quad Cities
226 17th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 794-1212

Room Block available under "Pitch Connect Fund" and can be made by calling or link below. Reservations must be made by March 14, 2025. 
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​The Holiday Inn Rock Island-Quad Cities is located downtown in Downtown Rock Island off I-280/IL Highway 92 and minutes away from the Quad City International Airport. Hotel shuttle available to those flying in. 
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.