Big Moves Start with
A Small Conversation
chicago Southland’s #1 Business & Real Estate Development Event
June 27, 28, 29
Unlock Special Offer
Meet Our
Keynote Speakers
Learn straight from the pros about how to scale your business, increase profitability, and access capital.
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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 turned a $40 budget into a $6 billion global brand. Gain insider strategies on scaling, investing, and building unstoppable business success.
Money Moves
Get in the room with high-net-worth decision-makers, investors, and peers who can open doors to funding, partnerships, and clients.
Powerful Networking
This isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about action. Walk away with tangible opportunities, new business relationships, and the tools to immediately increase your bottom line.
Real Deals, Real Growth
AGENDA
FRIDAY
june 27
awards luncheon
Welcomed guests celebrating outstanding achievements
SATURDAY
june 28
all-access networking
Active and aspiring business owners, real estate developers, & entrepreneurs.
conference & keynotes
Expert sessions around generational wealth, real estate investment, personal fulfillment, and entrepreneurship.
SUNDAY
june 29
workshops and keynotes
Invested keynotes, breakout session workshops, and virtual events.
Sunday Workshops
Buying a Business: From Search to Closing
Learn the complete roadmap to acquiring a business in this hands-on workshop. From sourcing the right deal to performing due diligence, securing financing, and negotiating a successful close, this session provides the tools and insights entrepreneurs need to navigate each stage of the business acquisition process confidently.
Agenda:
Identifying acquisition targets
Due diligence essentials (financial, legal, operational)
Financing your acquisition (SBA, seller-financing, investors)
Negotiating terms and closing the deal
The First 100 Days: Transitioning Ownership Smoothly
Ensure a successful start after buying a business with this practical workshop focused on the critical first 100 days. Learn proven strategies for leadership transition, retaining key staff, maintaining customer and vendor trust, and avoiding early missteps that can derail your investment and impact long-term growth. Learn how to secure new revenue sources including government contracting.
Agenda:
Leadership transition strategies
Retaining key staff and culture integration
Communicating with customers and vendors
Avoiding common pitfalls in the early phase
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:
Understanding different exit strategies (sale, succession, IPO)
Building valuation over time
Legal and tax preparation
Creating a 3–5-year exit roadmap
Financing Growth: Raising Capital Without Losing Control
Learn how to fuel business growth without giving up control in this essential workshop. Explore debt and equity options, engage with banks and investors, and craft a persuasive pitch. Gain strategies to raise capital while managing dilution, maintaining ownership, and aligning investor expectations with your long-term business vision.
Agenda:
Debt vs. equity financing
Working with banks, private investors, and mezzanine lenders
Crafting a compelling pitch
Managing dilution and investor expectations
Navigating Entitlements and Municipal Approval Processes
Master the complexities of zoning and entitlements in this essential development workshop. Learn how to interpret local codes, build strong relationships with officials, engage communities effectively, and navigate public hearings. Gain practical tools to streamline approval timelines, manage costs, and reduce risk in your real estate development process.
Agenda:
Understanding zoning codes and development plans
Building relationships with local officials
Community engagement and public hearing strategies
Time and cost planning for approvals
Deal Structuring and Financing: Creative Capital Stacks
Unlock the power of creative deal structuring in this advanced financing workshop. Dive into equity and debt strategies, joint ventures, syndications, and preferred equity. Learn to navigate private and institutional capital, decode complex loan terms, and build capital stacks that balance risk, return, and control for real estate success.
Agenda:
Equity vs. debt strategies
Using joint ventures, syndications, and preferred equity
Working with private lenders and institutional partners
Understanding loan terms and capital stack risk
Repositioning Distressed or Underperforming Assets
Unlock hidden value in distressed or underperforming properties with this hands-on workshop. Learn to spot turnaround opportunities, restructure operations, rebrand effectively, and implement smart re-tenanting strategies. Compare financial outcomes of buy-fix-sell versus long-term hold through dynamic modeling to make data-driven decisions and maximize your investment’s potential.
Agenda:
Identifying turnaround opportunities
Operational restructuring and rebranding
Re-tenanting strategies and market repositioning
Financial modeling for buy-fix-sell vs. long-term hold
Multifamily vs. Mixed-Use: Choosing the Right Asset Class
Explore the pros and cons of multifamily and mixed-use investments in this comparative workshop. Analyze market trends, zoning and permitting challenges, tenant dynamics, and cash flow potential. Gain insights into which asset class aligns best with your goals, risk tolerance, and exit strategy for long-term real estate success.
Agenda:
Market trends and risk profiles
Zoning, permitting, and use conversion strategies
Tenant mix and cash flow dynamics
Exit strategies for different asset classes
Leveraging Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Your Business
Discover how to harness the power of technology & AI to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive growth in your business. This workshop covers practical tools, emerging trends, and real-world applications that help entrepreneurs improve efficiency, boost customer engagement, & gain a competitive edge in today’s digital economy.
Agenda:
Exploring AI tools for automation and productivity
Using technology to enhance customer engagement and personalization
Implementing AI-driven decision-making for marketing, sales, and operations
Identifying affordable tech solutions for small and growing businesses
Reserve Your
Tickets
Basic
$297
Access:
Full Saturday access to speaking sessions.
Full Sunday access to workshop sessions.
Full access to organized business networking events
VIP-only events.
Meet and greet with the keynote speakers.
Perks:
Private meet and greet with keynote speakers.
VIP networking luncheon
Access to a post-event Mastermind Session
Premium swag bag with exclusive SDA merchandise and gift items.
Complimentary access to event sessions recordings
Get access to awards ceremony Friday
Premium $497
Access:
Full Saturday access to speaking sessions.
Full Sunday access to workshop sessions.
Full access to organized business networking events
VIP-only events.
Meet and greet with the keynote speakers.
Perks:
Private meet and greet with keynote speakers.
VIP networking luncheon
Access to a post-event Mastermind Session
Premium swag bag with exclusive SDA merchandise and gift items.
Complimentary access to event sessions recordings
Get access to awards ceremony Friday
VIP
$997
Access:
Full Saturday access to speaking sessions.
Full Sunday access to workshop sessions.
Full access to organized business networking events
VIP-only events.
Meet and greet with the keynote speakers.
Perks:
Private meet and greet with keynote speakers.
VIP networking luncheon
Access to a post-event Mastermind Session
Premium swag bag with exclusive SDA merchandise and gift items.
Complimentary access to event sessions recordings
Get access to awards ceremony Friday
FAQs
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A: Availability of food varies by ticket level. Food will be available for purchase on-site for other ticket levels.
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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 Tinley Park Convention Center has an abundance of free parking
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A: Yes, the Tinley Park Convention Center is ADA accessible
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A: Discover the best at EVEN Hotels Chicago-Tinley Park Convention Center. All 202 guest rooms offer Keurig coffeemakers, refrigerator, and in-room fitness equipment. Rest Easy and relax in brand new beds and enjoy the 55" guest room television. Book your EVEN Hotel reservation today.
event venue:
Tinley Park Convention CenteR
Tinley Park Convention CenteR
LOCATION
18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477
why sponsor
achieve summit 2025
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.