Big Moves Start with
a Small Conversation
Chicago Southland’s #1 Business & Real Estate Development Event
June 4, 5, 6
Our Past
Keynote Speakers
Each year, ACHIEVE features national thought leaders and dealmakers. Here are just a few from ACHIEVE 2025
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STAR OF ABC’S SHARK TANK &
CEO AND FOUNDER OF FUBU
The People’s Shark has gone from launching FUBU to investing in tomorrow’s biggest brands. Daymond John brings sharp insights on scaling, innovation, and what’s next for entrepreneurs navigating rapid growth.
He is ready to share the secrets needed to take your business to the next level.
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SELF-MADE MOGUL AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF ENTERTAINMENT AT TELEMUNDO
A Latina media dynamo and women’s empowerment advocate bringing decades of experience in real estate investing. Through savvy investments, she has built significant personal wealth & helped countless others do the same. Her best-selling book, Self Made, outlines her journey and provides a roadmap for financial independence through entrepreneurship and smart investing, including her famous line, “Don’t buy shoes, buy buildings.”
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FOUNDER OF THE POWERHOUSE CONFERENCE, CANADA’S #1 BIZ EVENT
A 16-year real estate veteran & COO of CPI Capital, Seth helps everyday investors build wealth through apartment syndications across North America. His real mission runs deeper: helping entrepreneurs sweat the bullets that actually matter - the money, the people, the product, and the story - so they stop playing small and finally build something that lasts.
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CURRENT VENTURE PARTNER AT CONNECTIVITY VENTURES FUND, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR, & GLOBAL TECH ENTREPRENEUR.
Nathalie Molina Niño is a Co-Founder and President at Known. She is an investor (Builder Capitalist), and as part of her work as a champion of women, communities of color and the planet, she co-founded the trade organization for Builder Capitalism, a long-view, alternative asset class to Venture Capital. In 2018, her book LEAPFROG, The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs (Penguin Random House, Tarcher Perigee) was named one of Book Authority’s “Best CEO Books of All Time.” Molina Niño launched her first tech startup at the age of twenty and is the co-founder of Entrepreneurs@Athena at the Athena Center for Leadership Studies of Barnard College at Columbia University.
Today, Molina Niño serves as a Venture Partner at Connectivity Ventures Fund, as an advisor for Goldman Sachs’ Launch with GS Black and Latinx Cohort, Accion Opportunity Fund, Vote Run Lead, WE NYC (Women Entrepreneurs NYC) and HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality). In support of her efforts to make reproductive healthcare more accessible and affordable, she serves on the board of the National Institute for Reproductive Health and The American Medical Association’s Center for Health Equity. In 2019, she was honored with Schneps’ inaugural Women of Wall Street Awards for her influence in banking and finance and was named among People Magazine’s most powerful Latinas.
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WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BUY THEN BUILD: HOW ACQUISITION ENTREPRENEURE OUTSMART THE STARTUP GAME
Walker Deibel’s work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc, Fast Company, and the Harvard Business Review. Walker has practiced acquisition entrepreneurship since 2006 amassing $16.5 million in revenue through acquisitions; has co-founded three startups, acquired nine companies outright, and has consulted (or participated in) over $200,000,000 in business transactions. He’s also an active investor in private companies and real estate, an Emmy-nominated film producer, and currently owns companies in manufacturing, online education, and eCommerce.
He is a Certified M&A Advisor, Certified M&A Professional, M&A Master Intermediary, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and former SEC licensed stockbroker. He was awarded the Platinum Award from M&A Source and Thought Leader of the Year by both The Alliance of M&A Advisors and Axial.com.
friday’s keynote speaker
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COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT
Toni Preckwinkle is the 35th president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, an office she has held since 2010. She is the first Black woman to be elected to the office. A dedicated and effective public servant, President Preckwinkle has worked to transform County government through increased fiscal responsibility, transparency, and improved services
Before she was elected Cook County Board President, President Preckwinkle served 19 years as Alderman of the 4th Ward. As Alderman, she oversaw the redevelopment of the Kenwood, Oakland, Douglas, Grand Boulevard and Hyde Park neighborhoods. She established a reputation as a progressive on the City Council and a champion for affordable housing. She was a co-sponsor of the living wage ordinances that passed the City Council in 1998 and 2002.
Prior to holding elected office, President Preckwinkle was a high school history teacher for ten years, before serving as an economic development coordinator for the City of Chicago and the executive director of the Chicago Jobs Council. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, President Preckwinkle came to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago, from where she holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of three.
Meet the founder
of achieve
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FOUNDER OF THE ACHIEVE SUMMIT
SOUTHLAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CEO
ENTREPRENEUR & VENTURE CAPITALIST
Bo Kemp's passion lies in fostering inclusive economic development and creating opportunities for historically underserved communities. Under his leadership, the SDA has launched initiatives aimed at building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalitiesThe ACHIEVE Summit embodies the mission to catalyze transformative growth in the Southland region. The summit is more than just an event, it's a regional call to action, aiming to facilitate substantial economic growth by promoting business and real estate transactions, fostering networking opportunities, and providing educational workshops.
The ACHIEVE Summit is envisioned as a national example for developing regions and inspiring lasting change that can be celebrated time and time again.
The Summit Brief
The Summit Brief
Make Money.
Make Connections.
Make It Happen.
ACHIEVE Summit 2025 isn’t just another conference—it’s the place where business owners, real estate developers, and ambitious professionals come to unlock financial opportunities, forge game-changing partnerships, and gain insider knowledge that drives revenue. Don’t just show up—show out. The money, the deals, and the connections are here. Will you be?
why attend?
Learn from pioneering business minds and a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a small startup budget into a multi-billion-dollar global brand. Gain insider strategies on scaling, investing, and building unstoppable business success.
Money Moves
Get in the room with Chicago and The Southland’s high-net-worth decision-makers, investors, and peers who can open doors to funding, partnerships, and clients.
Powerful Networking
Walk away with tangible opportunities, new business relationships, and the tools to immediately increase your bottom line. This isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about action.
Real Deals, Real Growth
Achieve Summit 2025
Workshops
Building Wealth Brick by Brick:
Pathways to Generational Wealth through Ownership
Forget get-rich-quick schemes—this is the blueprint for lasting wealth. Dive into the mechanics of ownership as a tool for generational change. Real estate, startups, and smart investing collide with legacy planning and tech-savvy strategy in a session designed to future-proof your family’s financial destiny.
Agenda:
Decode ownership models: Real estate, business, and digital assets as wealth engines
Map long-term strategies: From capital stacking to sustainable investment growth
Design your legacy: Tools for estate planning, trusts, and succession
Empower future generations: Building financial literacy and an ownership mindset early
The Developer’s Edge:
Using Zoning, Entitlement and Incentives to De-Risk Your Project
Want to unlock real estate value others can’t see? Engaging the municipal government as your partner is your cheat code. This workshop dives into the power moves behind entitlements, zoning, and incentives that can turn red tape into green cash. It’s not just development—it’s decoding the matrix of urban opportunity.
Agenda:
Zoning hacks: Understanding classifications, variances, and upzoning strategies
Entitlement flow: Navigating public approvals and environmental reviews
Municipal & developer perspective on managing entitlements
Incentive intel: Tapping tax credits, TIFs, and local development funds
Public-private power: Building political capital and community alignment
Show Me The Money I:
A Roadmap to Accessing Low-Cost Equity
Capital is out there—if you know where to look. This workshop decodes the chaotic landscape of funding, focused on the equity part of the capital stack. Whether you're bootstrapping or scaling fast, learn how to tell your story, build trust, and unlock the money to move.
Agenda:
Mapping the funding landscape: Grants, loans, equity, and alternative capital
Crafting irresistible pitches: Storytelling, data, and credibility that attract funders
Navigating the application maze: Insider tips on grant writing
Finding low cost land from municipal governments
Investor psychology: What funders want, and how to speak their language
Show Me The Money II:
A Roadmap to Accessing Low-Cost Debt (CDFIs and Traditional Lenders)
Capital is out there—if you know where to look. This workshop decodes the chaotic landscape of funding, focused on low cost lenders such as CDFIs and certain traditional lenders motivated to work in hard hit communities. Whether you're bootstrapping or scaling fast, learn how to tell your story, build trust, and unlock the money to move.
Agenda:
Navigating the application maze: Insider tips on loan packaging
Investor psychology: What funders want—and how to speak their language
Succession & Exit Planning: Start With the End in Mind
Plan your business acquisition with the end in mind in this strategic workshop. Explore succession planning, exit options, learn how to build enterprise value, and prepare legally and financially for a successful transition. Walk away with a clear 3–5-year roadmap to maximize returns and ensure a smooth, profitable exit.
Agenda:
Designing exit strategies: Sale, succession, IPO, or merger—what fits your vision?
Maximizing valuation: Systems, financials, and brand equity that drive value
Planning ahead: Legal, tax, and operational prep for a clean handoff
Legacy mapping: Creating a roadmap for leadership continuity and long-term impact
Own the Block:
Breaking Into Real Estate Development
Ready to go from renting dreams to owning the skyline? This workshop is your tactical blueprint to break into real estate development. Learn how to source deals, navigate zoning, assemble your team, and raise capital like a pro. It's time to own the block—literally and financially.
Agenda:
Finding the right deal: Identifying undervalued properties and development opportunities
Zoning & entitlements: Navigating municipal codes and approval processes
Building your team: Architects, engineers, contractors, and legal support
Funding your first project: Creative financing, partnerships, and pitch strategies
From Vacant to Vibrant:
Repositioning Distressed or Underperforming Assets
Discover the strategies to transform distressed properties into thriving, profitable spaces. This workshop explores innovative approaches, market trends, and actionable insights for unlocking hidden value in underutilized assets. Perfect for real estate professionals ready to breathe new life into vacant properties and drive community revitalization.
Agenda:
Understanding Market Dynamics: Identifying opportunities and risks in distressed asset markets
Strategic Repositioning Techniques: Proven methods for repurposing and revitalizing properties
Financial Structuring and Investment: Navigating financing, incentives, and investor engagement
Community Impact and Sustainability: Ensuring long-term value and community alignment
Scaling Smarter:
From Side Hustle to Acquisition to Scalable Business
This is where hustle meets scale. Learn how to turn your weekend side gig into a high-growth machine—or acquire one that’s ready to explode. From deal-making, government contracting to systems thinking, this workshop arms you with the tech, tactics, and mindset to build a business that scales without burning out.
Agenda:
From hustle to enterprise: Systematizing operations and identifying scalable models
Buying growth: Sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring existing businesses
Tech-enabled scaling: Leveraging automation, AI, and digital infrastructure
Funding the leap: Capital strategies for sustainable, scalable expansion
Growth on a Budget:
Leveraging Technology, Social Media & Artificial Intelligence for Your Business
Unlock exponential growth without breaking the bank. This workshop dives into cutting-edge tech, smart social media strategies, and AI-driven solutions that fuel business expansion. Learn how to maximize impact with minimal investment, transforming your operations and scaling efficiently in the digital age.
Agenda:
Digital Transformation on a Dime: Leveraging affordable tech tools for operational efficiency
Social Media Mastery: Crafting impactful campaigns that drive engagement and growth
AI-Powered Business Solutions: Using artificial intelligence to optimize decision-making and predict trends
Sustainable Scaling Strategies: Growing your business with smart investments and lean principles
Deal Structuring and Financing:
Creative Capital Stacks
The money’s in the mix. Unlock the art of structuring deals with hybrid capital stacks, balancing risk, reward, & control. From syndications to preferred equity, this is a masterclass in how today’s savviest founders & developers engineer funding strategies that scale and stay flexible.
Agenda:
Decoding capital stacks: Layering equity, debt, and hybrid instruments strategically
Joint ventures & syndications: Structuring partnerships that align incentives
Institutional vs. private capital: Navigating terms, timelines, and expectations
Risk vs. return: Matching financing structures to project goals and exit timelines
Reserve Your
Tickets
FAQs
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A: Guests will enjoy food and beverage service at the Friday Awards Luncheon, as well as for both breakfast and lunch on Sunday. On Saturday, attendees are encouraged to explore the local community and dine at a restaurant of their choice for lunch.
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A: Recording the event is not allowed, but attendees should feel free to snap plenty of photos!
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A: You can register for the ACHIEVE Summit on our ‘Tickets’ page by selecting your desired ticket package.
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We accept, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, or Plaid.
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A: Notify event organizers at least 15 days before the event to either transfer your ticket to someone else or receive a credit toward next year’s event. All ticket sales are final as this is a live event — no refunds will be issued.
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A: For additional questions, please reach out to Sara Altwal at sara.altwal@southlanddevelopment.org
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A: The ACHIEVE Summit 2026 will take place at Wind Creek Casino & Hotel
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A: Yes, the venue offers ample on-site parking for attendees.
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A: Yes, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel is accessible and accommodates guests with accessibility needs.
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A: We recommend staying on-site at
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel
Attendees can access exclusive discounted rates using the group code:
ACHE0626
👉 Staying at the venue allows you to fully immerse yourself in the summit experience and maximize networking opportunities.
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A: To access discounted rates, guests must book within the official room block and reference:
Group Code: ACHE0626
📞 Call the reservation center: (866) 946-3361
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A valid credit card is required to reserve a room
No charges will be applied until check-in
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
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A: Yes, guests may communicate special requests when booking through the call center.
📌 Requests will be documented, but cannot be guaranteed.
Achieve Summit 2026
event venue:
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel
Stay at the Official Summit Hotel
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel
Make the most of your ACHIEVE Summit experience by staying where the event happens. Attendees receive exclusive discounted rates when booking within our official room block.
Reservation Details:
A valid credit card is required to reserve a room; however, no charges will be applied until check-in.
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM on the day of arrival.
Check-out is 11:00 AM on the day of departure.
Group Code: ACHE0626.
Special Requests
Guests should communicate any special requests to the call center when making their reservation. Requests will be documented with the booking. While the hotel will make every effort to accommodate these preferences, they cannot be guaranteed.
Reservation Call Center
(866) 946-3361
LOCATION
17300 S. Halsted St.
East Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Reservation Call Center
(866) 946-3361
In Partnership With Visit Chicago Southland
We’re proud to collaborate with regional partners supporting business growth, tourism, and economic development in the Southland region.
why sponsor
achieve summit 2026
Get your brand in front of high-impact decision-makers, business owners, and real estate leaders who are actively looking for partners, services, and investments. With exclusive access to a network of high-net-worth professionals and targeted brand exposure across digital, social, and live event channels, sponsoring ACHIEVE Summit 2025 means more than visibility—it means real business opportunities. Position your brand at the center of growth, influence, and deal-making—this is where connections turn into contracts.