Rep. Kelly Announces Economic Development Community Project Included in Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) announced her request of $200,000 for Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation (CSEDC) has been included in the text of the FY 2022 Appropriations bill, which will be considered by the House in the coming weeks. CSEDC requested this funding for their project, the 4343 Ascending House, the Chicago Southland Tech Incubator.

"I am thrilled that my request for $200,000 to support the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation's tech incubator project has been included in the FY 2022 appropriations bill," said Rep. Kelly. "Our entire community will benefit from continued support of innovative new projects and businesses. I look forward to seeing the work CSEDC will be able do for Chicago and the South Suburbs once this bill has passed."

"Thank you to Congresswoman Robin Kelly and the Community Project Funding Committee for supporting advanced technologies in business development that will create a localized accelerator model with mentors, investors, and sector stakeholders to establish a supportive ecosystem where enterprises can thrive," said Reggie Greenwood, Executive Director of Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation. "This is another indication that the federal government recognizes the need to invest in logistics and innovation to enhance the booming e-commerce industry that's reshaping the Chicago Southland and reinforcing Illinois' historic role as a leader in building wealth and opportunity for our citizens and our nation. By collaborating with community partners and engaging key business partners such as Nicor Gas and Comcast, the 4343 Ascending House will help the Southland communities and small businesses thrive in the post-Covid era."

The Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation (CSEDC) is collaborating with partners to create 4343 Ascending House, the Chicago Southland Tech Incubator. The group sought $200,000 to support its incubator pilot programs, including creating a video conference center, a podcast studio, and an advanced printing lab. These resources will support the E-Commerce Entrepreneurs training program which operates InternMatch Illinois, a match-making platform for small businesses to find the right interns.

The 4343 Ascending House will support start-ups by providing the necessary software, tools and connections to interns and new employees that start-ups otherwise may not be able to access due to high costs and the challenges of starting a new business.

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Member of Congress may request funding for up to 10 projects in their community for fiscal year 2022 – although only a handful may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Congresswoman Kelly is awaiting notification on her nine other Community Project Funding requests. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here.