Meet LEDA’s 2024 Summer Interns

Introducing Our Summer Interns We are thrilled to introduce our dynamic group of summer interns who are ready to bring their unique talents and perspectives to our team. Please join us in welcoming these bright and ambitious students: Anahi Rodriguez is a Junior undergraduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, majoring […]

EBC’s “Celebrating Small Business” Reception

We are grateful to Entrepreneur & Business Center at Joliet Junior College for inviting LEDA to their “Celebrating Small Business” reception. It was a fantastic evening celebrating entrepreneurs dedicated to strategic growth in 2024. Partnering with the EBC is always a joy! We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Rooted Restaurant @rootedminooka Many thanks to Elevate […]

RECAP – Breaking Barriers for Black and Latino Small Businesses

Thank you to everyone who made the “Breaking Barriers for Black and Latino Small Businesses” Small Business Expo a great event. We are grateful to our sponsors: Northern Illinois Community Initiatives, PNC Bank, Edward Jones, and With Purpose Media and Events. A special thanks to our planning team: Joliet Latino Economic Development Association, African American […]

Breaking Barriers for Black and Latino Small Businesses

Join Us for the “Breaking Barriers for Black and Latino Small Businesses” Expo! Date and Time: Thursday, June 13th, 2024, from 5 PM to 8 PM Location: 511 Collins St, Joliet, IL 60432 Admission at no cost. Are you a Black or Latino entrepreneur looking to grow your small business? Don’t miss this incredible opportunity […]

Leadership Transition: Paulina Martinez

We are excited to announce a leadership transition and a new chapter for one of our valued board directors! Paulina Martinez has served as our Vice President since 2021 and was recently announced as the Economic Development Director at the City of Joliet. We have no doubt that she will be a tremendous asset to […]

“Breaking Barriers for Black & Latino Businesses”

The countdown begins for the “Breaking Barriers for Black & Latino Businesses” small business expo! This event is hosted by the Joliet Latino Economic Development Association, the African American Business Association, the Entrepreneur and Business Center at Joliet Junior College, and the Office of Minority and Economic Empowerment at IL DCEO. Dedicated to supporting minority-owned […]

“Breaking Barriers for Black and Latino Businesses”

Join us for an empowering evening at the “Breaking Barriers for Black and Latino Businesses” event! Hosted by the Joliet Latino Economic Development Association, the Office of Minority and Economic Empowerment at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the African American Business Association of Will County, and the Entrepreneur and Business Center at […]

Small Business Financing Workshop

La semana pasada, el Centro de Emprendedores y Negocios del Joliet Junior College organizó un excelente taller sobre financiación de pequeñas empresas, presentado por Jennifer Rigual de Wintrust Community Bank. La presentación cubrió aspectos esenciales como la solicitud de un préstamo comercial, la preparación, la comprensión de los acuerdos de préstamo y más. Estamos encantados […]

THE LEDA SOCIAL 03/28

On Thursday, March 28th 2024, we hosted our Quarterly LEDA Social celebrating the 3rd Cohort of the Academia del Éxito Empresarial in partnership with Entrepreneur & Business Center at Joliet Junior College. Thank you to our local business owners, professionals, and community leaders for joining us! Special thank you to D’Arcy Buick GMC, DoorDash Impact, […]