Indianapolis LISC

Now introducing EDGI Cohort 3! The Emerging Developers Growth Initiative is based on connecting talented, mission-driven developers with the curriculum, connections and capital needed to bring impactful real estate development projects to life. Cohort 3's 20 emerging developers join us from many corners of the real estate and community development ecosystem. Meet the future drivers of positive change in Indy's affordable housing landscape: https://www.lisc.org/indianapolis/regional-stories/meet-edgi-cohort-3/

DEADLINE EXTENSION ⏰ You've got two more days to apply for this year's Facade application. Apply by Friday, September 4th to be considered for this grant which covers up to 50% of improvement costs to the exterior of your business or commercial property. Check out our website to apply!

We're excited to celebrate the 10 finalists of the 2026 Seed Capital Contest! These entrepreneurs are competing for funding to accelerate their business ventures. Access to capital is a challenge for many small business owners. This contest supports early-stage businesses who have innovative ideas for products and services with a strong emphasis on community impact and growth potential.

Congratulations finalists!

There's ONE WEEK left to apply! LISC's Small Business Facade & Property Improvement program is accepting applications through Wednesday, September 2nd. Are you a small business or commercial property owner with a building in need of exterior improvements? You may be eligible for this grant! Visit our website to review the program guidelines and complete your application today!

https://www.lisc.org/indianapolis/what-we-do/economic-development/facade-and-property-improvement-program/

📣Calling all Far Eastside residents📣 Do you have a project idea for your neighborhood? Early Action Fund Mini Grants are funding projects so you can move your idea from vision to reality! Join CAFE this Thursday, August 28th for an in-person information session about the grant process, get your questions answered, and learn how your ideas can contribute to the Far Eastside.

Community-driven Quality-of-Life plan? ✅
Trained resident leadership? ✅
Capital to get from vision to reality? ✅

Glick Philanthropies is turning dollars into impact through the Far Eastside Early Action Fund. Created to provide flexible, accessible funds for resident-led initiatives in alignment with their quality-of-life plan priorities, the Early Action Fund will be a key resource in driving QOL plan implementation. Learn how support from organizations like Glick Philanthropies empowers community leadership and residents to take neighborhood vision from dream to reality.

https://ow.ly/oYEq50ZBVOr

There's still time to apply! Applications for Cohort 3 of the Emerging Developers Growth Initiative are open through this Saturday, August 15th. Our comprehensive curriculum delivered in partnership with Diversified Community Impact (DCI) will give you the skills you need to bring real projects from concept to completion. Visit our website to access the application link and participant packet that overviews the program.

Build Fund is a community development financial institution (CDFI) creating growth and opportunities for small businesses in Indianapolis. As a partner organization with the Indianapolis Small Business CDFI Collaborative, they serve their community through working capital, bridge loans, acquisition loans, and construction loans. We recently sat down with Ashley Bridges, the Director of Build Fund, to learn more about their unique position in the lending atmosphere. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/hnj650Zwb3h

Are you a small business owner looking to access capital? LISC is offering a free loan readiness program in partnership with the Indianapolis Small Business CDFI Collaborative.

This 5-week program is perfect for preparing your small business to request and obtain financing. Register today to secure your spot: https://ow.ly/N8uI50Zs5EQ

EDGI's impact is magnified by the three "C"s:

✅Stellar CURRICULUM
✅ Increased access to CAPITAL
✅Meaningful CONNECTIONS

This *FREE* event is all about connection! Need help deciding if EDGI is the right program for you? Register today to connect with EDGI alumni about their experience. https://ow.ly/iG7U50Zs0FZ