Grow America - formerly NDC

10/15/2026

The best professional development doesn't just make you better at your job, it makes you better for your community.

Our Loan Officer Sarabeth Sutton earned her Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from Grow America - formerly NDC and came away with a real toolkit that she uses to help small businesses grow across our region.

Want to build the same skills? Learn more here about the EDFP program here: https://bit.ly/edfp2026

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

Small business innovators - have you heard of the Patriot Pitch 🇺🇸 ?

The U.S. Small Business Administration has officially launched the Patriot Pitch Competition and there is a $1 million prize pool on the line.

Selected finalists will win a trip to Washington, DC, to pitch live and compete for a share of the $1M prize pool.

📅 June 10, 2026 (11:59 PM ET): Submission Deadline.
🔗 Learn more and submit your pitch: https://preview.sba.gov/freedom-250/

05/06/2026

ED101 – Economic Development Finance is coming to Los Angeles this August.

The first course in the EDFP Certification Program™, ED101 gives professionals a practical foundation in economic development finance — covering business credit analysis, deal structuring, and financing tools that support small businesses and local job creation.

Register: https://growamerica.matrixlms.com/visitor_catalog_class/show/2331049

05/05/2026

Think your business is "too small" to sell? You might want to think again.

Many small business owners assume that if they aren’t a massive franchise or a tech giant, an exit isn't possible. But the reality is that buyers are actively looking for established, local businesses with heart and history.

Investors are seeking:
✅ 2–3+ years of stable operations
✅ Reliable, repeatable revenue
✅ A loyal, local customer base
✅ A positive community reputation

Whether you’re ready to retire or just want to know your options, the value you’ve built is real.

Read our latest checklist to see how "sale-ready" your business actually is: https://growamerica.org/2026/04/20/think-you-cant-sell-your-business-think-again/

Buyers are out there, and they're looking for businesses like yours. Steady revenue, real customers, and a community presence have real, transferable value.

05/05/2026

Looking back at last week’s Louisville, Kentucky Brownfields Workshop

Louisville has a strong track record of success in revitalizing brownfield sites. Thank you to all who joined Grow America - formerly NDC, ICMA - International City/County Management Association, and Louisville Metro Cabinet for Economic Development for our first Brownfields RLF workshop, which delved into critical issues for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RLFs and connected directly with other EPA RLF grantees. Thank you to our sponsors, Tetra Tech and Adaapta.

With over 50 people from 12 different states attending, Grow America extends special thanks to the TABs (KSU, NJIT, and WVU) for participating, along with Jeff O'Brien, Executive Director of the Economic Development Cabinet for Louisville Metro Government, and James Beckett from Reland group (along with Joseph Stephens from EnviroForensics), who presented as part of a Developer project in Louisville. Thanks also to speakers in Amanda Alewine from The City of Oklahoma City - Government, Erin Brittain from the State of West Virginia (WV.gov), Sara Ellis from Louisville Metro Government (our host city), and Danielle Getsinger from Adaapta (an in-kind sponsor and partner with Louisville for their strategy), and EPA representatives Charlie Musick and Siddhartha (Sid) Patel.

Our next workshop is in Portland, Maine, May 28-29. Scholarship and lodging deadlines have been extended. Learn more and register: https://epa-rlf-tab.growamerica.org/workshops/

05/01/2026

Some members of our team were in Louisville for the first-ever Grow America - formerly NDC and ICMA - International City/County Management Association Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Training Workshop! We walked away energized and equipped with fresh knowledge on developer partnerships, project pipelines, underwriting, and more. So excited to bring these insights back to our work in the community!

07/10/2025

Billions Leveraged. Lives Transformed.

Tracey Nichols, EDFP, knows firsthand the power of professional training to spark real change.

After attending Grow America’s courses, Tracey didn't just expand her skillset - she helped drive over $1.7 billion in investment into her community.

From economic development to equitable access, Tracey’s journey shows what’s possible when training meets purpose.

👉 Read her inspiring story: https://growamerica.org/2025/06/23/billions-leveraged-lives-transformed-real-impact-of-grow-america-training-for-tracey-nichols-edfp/

06/17/2025

🚀 Want to drive inclusive growth in your community?

Join us for a FREE webinar on crafting effective economic development strategies that make a real impact. 🌟

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and empower change. Register* now! ⬇️
https://growamerica.matrixlms.com/visitor_catalog_class/show/1742312
*Registration is limited to those within the Truist footprint.

Participants will learn how to assess community needs, design policies that address disparities, and implement strategies that promote economic mobility. Key topics include stakeholder engagement, public-private partnerships, workforce development, and access to capital. Through case studies and interactive discussions, students will gain practical insights into creating economic opportunities that benefit all residents, particularly distressed communities. Ideal for policymakers, planners, and economic development professionals committed to building thriving, inclusive economies.

FREE webinar❗
Developing Economic Development Strategies for Inclusive Growth

Learn more & register 👇
https://growamerica.asapconnected.com/ =309668

06/12/2025

Grow America is excited to be in Austin this week for the Opportunity Finance Network's (OFN) Small Business Finance Forum.

If you’re attending, be sure to stop by and say hello to Grow America’s Betsey Suchanic, who is there representing our team! We’re proud to be part of this incredible community working to expand access to capital and opportunity for small businesses across the country.