About Us
The Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation, that exists to address the stalled economic development within the Greater Englewood community. We believe that by empowering and educating small business owners and entrepreneurs within Englewood and the surrounding Chicagoland area, true transformation will happen.
Mission
To rebrand, rebuild, revitalize Greater Englewood and beyond, through Entrepreneurship, Employment and Economic Empowerment by collaborating with community, partners and key stake holders.
Vision
To be the global resource for making Englewood the destination to live, work, and play.
Our Team
Shirley Oliphant
Director of Finance & Entrepreneur Center
Shirley, affectionately known as “Mrs. O,” serves as the Financial Manager for the GECDC. She is a native of Englewood with 25 years of Financial Management experience, including all facets of Post-Secondary Education, Executive Leadership, Team Building, Training & Development, and Mentorship. In addition to being the Financial Manager for the GECDC, Mrs. Oliphant oversees our Entrepreneur Center, as well as all events. Mrs. O enjoys working with people and prides herself on being a mentor to youth.
Jasmine James
IL SBDC Center Director
Jasmine James is an entrepreneur with expertise spanning consulting, retail, beauty, and real estate, supported by a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. As the Center Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at GECDC, co-owner of Vendimax LLC, and COO of Veola’s Day Spa and Wellness Center Inc., she combines hands-on business leadership with a passion for mentoring and empowering other entrepreneurs.
Ray Bacon
IL SBDC Business Advisor
Ray Bacon is a retired senior Federal Reserve Bank supervisor and private consultant with over 40 years of experience in banking oversight and risk assessment, including roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where he was Vice President in Charge of Large Bank Supervision. For over a decade, he has volunteered as a business advisor, offering guidance to entrepreneurs on financial literacy, sustainable growth strategies, and practical solutions tailored to their unique needs.
David Fuller
IL SBDC Business Advisor
Chef David Fuller is a culinary expert and entrepreneur with over 35 years in the food and beverage industry, combining experience in business strategy and culinary arts from Florida A&M University and Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. As the founder of Eating To Live LLC, he has created innovative comfort food options, built partnerships with leading grocery chains, led wellness cooking workshops, and operated airport concessions at O’Hare.