10+ Years of Experience

Fostering Economic Development

We strengthen communities through local entrepreneurship, transformative real estate development, and access to capital.

Holistic Economic and Community Development

The Greater Waukegan Development Coalition, now GWDC, is a community development organization that fosters economic development in economically challenged communities. Because research has found that no one initiative or program can revitalize a community on its own, GWDC focuses on holistic economic and community development grounded in the values and resources of each community.

Let’s Talk Numbers
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Years in Business
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2021 Clients
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Programs
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Festival Attendance

Our Programs

Supporting, incubating, nurturing or creating core businesses, pursuing transformative and innovative real estate development and utilizing foreign direct investment in revitalizing and re-energizing commercial areas in the greater Chicago region.

Lake County Tech Hub

Provides critical mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Lake County Illinois, who are trying to launch or grow a small business.

The Hub Studios

A multimedia recording space for small businesses in Greater Waukegan, as well as coaching and mentoring on effective video use for business.

Gamers Glorified

Gamers Glorified teaches gamers of all ages how to improve as a gamer through coaching, webinar, retreats, and hosting tournaments. Gamers Glorified also teaches garners educational, life, and development skills, financial skills & career opportunities within the gaming industry.

SelectChicago

Helps local businesses and economies grow through partnerships with foreign companies and capital from foreign investors in collaboration with communities in the greater Chicago region.

Community Contracting Project

The Greater Waukegan Procurement Academy provides training to small construction businesses at any stage of development, in order to support them in earning contracts with large, local public and private community institutions (such as schools, cities, or hospitals).

Celebrates

A summer series of multicultural festivals and events that bring residents together to celebrate, build community, and enjoy local downtown and waterfront spaces.

What sets us apart

Holistic Model

Local Awareness

Our organization was established to be a gathering place, connecting local communities to share and collaborate on ideas through business.

Business Education

We engage with young minds, entrepreneurs and small businesses on best business practices and available opportunities.

Community Space

Providing small businesses with a convenient space to learn, assist others and connect with likeminded individuals.

Arts & Culture

We hope to inspire communities both economically and culturally while helping build the next generation of leaders.

Global Connection

We bridge international businesses into local communities through cultural education and local investment.

Events

We host a variety of events from business conferences to festivals to bring together businesses and their communities.

Testimonials

CONNECT WITH US

GWDC fosters economic development in challenged communities by supporting, incubating, nurturing or creating core businesses, pursuing transformative and innovative real estate development and utilizing foreign direct investment in revitalizing and re-energizing commercial areas in the greater Chicago region.

We strive to use the tools of economic development to strengthen communities through local entrepreneurship, transformative real estate development, and access to capital.