The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and LISC are encouraging affordable housing developers, and those in related industries, to apply to participate in the second round of the Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen). Next Gen is an opportunity for emerging developers across Illinois to gain knowledge in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry by providing access to affordable housing development training and project-specific technical assistance. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Friday, December 13, 2024. Applicants should have experience working in real estate development and/or finance and want to expand their expertise to successfully complete a LIHTC project. Emerging for-profit and nonprofit developers in Illinois are eligible to apply. Next Gen prioritizes applicants with geographic diversity and BIPOC developers who have had challenges accessing cost-effective capital. Next Gen classes begin in February 2025 and go through November 2025 and include both hybrid and in-person sessions. Program curriculum includes an in-depth training series, one-on-one technical assistance, and upon completing the curriculum, Next Gen participants will be eligible to apply for a pre-development loan funded by IHDA and administered by LISC. This capital will support early costs that have historically created significant barriers for smaller-scale or emerging developers.