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Congresswoman Robin Kelly announces federal grant for job and business creation 

Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., announced an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant totaling more than $578,000 for the Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI), an Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) hub on the campus of Governors State University.

Flossmoor resident Reggie Greenwood is the director of SCICBI.

“I’m so pleased to announce this EDA funding for the Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator. There is no better way to create local jobs and economic growth than fostering local businesses and entrepreneurs,” Kelly said. “As the Southland continues to be a global leader in the supply chain and logistics sector, this funding will ensure local jobs and local businesses are created and grow in this highly competitive environment.”

The EDA grant will help fund programs to foster supply chain and logistics innovation in the South Suburbs through consulting, training and mentoring services provided to entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses in the region. The total estimated project cost is more than $1.1 million. The EDA grant will fund approximately half of the total project costs.

 

In recent years, the South Suburbs region has again become a global leader in the supply chain and logistics sector, as new ecommerce development has leveraged or built upon existing transportation infrastructure at the “Crossroads of America,” as the area is known, Kelly said.

“GSU’s new Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator will help businesses and startups in the region improve their supply chain processes, foster innovation and promote job creation and economic development,” said GSU President Cheryl Green. “It will build on GSU’s partnership with businesses, professional organizations and our community college partners in delivering consulting, training and mentoring services. It will contribute to GSU’s mission to become an economic catalyst of the region.”

“SCICBI will work with companies to discover ways to create innovative new products that depend upon the detailed knowledge of supply chain operations. GSU professors have a wealth of private sector and educational experience to help innovate new products that advance the ability of supply chains to meet the growing needs of companies in a variety of industries such as E-Commerce and pharmaceuticals,” Greenwood said.

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility and the availability of funds.  

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