INITIATIVES

Government Affairs Agenda

IVCA supports a pro-entrepreneurial public policy environment in Illinois that promotes economic growth, business development, and investment in job creation and expansion.


To advance these priorities, IVCA’s government affairs objectives, developed by the Legislative Committee and approved by the Board of Directors focus on:


Encourage Illinois policymakers to promote and maintain a business environment that supports private equity and venture capital investment by:


  • Expanding public pension investment in private equity and venture capital, including opportunities with Illinois-based firms


  • Strengthening state-supported innovation initiatives, including the Technology Development Fund


  • Supporting policies that foster early-stage investment, including seed and angel capital formation


Removing barriers to private investment, including:


  • Advocating for pension fund policies that are transparent, competitive, and performance-based


  • Clarifying regulations governing public pension investments in private equity to ensure they are practical and effective


  • Eliminating tax policies that create disadvantages for private investment activity



  • Ensuring public disclosure requirements, including FOIA, are implemented in a way that protects sensitive investment information


IVCA-PAC/Legislative Board

Guidance from IVCA-PAC on Political Contributions

IVCA is a state trade association and does not engage in federal lobbying. However, because federal policy significantly impacts private investment activity, IVCA works closely with national trade associations and supports industry-wide advocacy efforts to stay informed and engaged on key federal issues.


IVCA also connect members to leading national organizations, including:


The IVCA Scholar Program

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IVCA Scholars Program

The IVCA Scholars Program is a flagship initiative designed to develop the next generation of talent in private equity and venture capital and strengthen the future of Illinois’ investment ecosystem.


The program provides highly motivated undergraduate students with direct exposure to the industry through a competitive, immersive experience. Each year, selected scholars are placed with leading private equity and venture capital firms across Illinois, where they gain hands-on experience and insight into the investment process.


In addition to their firm placements, scholars participate in a structured curriculum that includes educational sessions, technical training, and networking opportunities with investors, advisors, and industry leaders. These experiences are designed to build both foundational knowledge and long-term professional connections.


The 10-week program concludes with a $10,000 scholarship awarded to each participant, further supporting their academic and career development.


Through the Scholars Program, IVCA is building a strong and inclusive pipeline of future industry leaders while providing member firms with access to emerging talent. Since its inception, more than 100 students have participated in the program and gone on to pursue careers across the investment ecosystem.


Program Details

  • Duration: June 8 to August 14, 2026
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students entering junior or senior year in Fall 2026
  • Majors: All majors welcome; strong Excel skills required
  • Placement: Scholars are matched with a venture capital or private equity firm
  • Schedule: Firms will set specific in-office schedules with each student
  • Weekly Sessions: Scholars must attend weekly industry information sessions (typically a half-day per week)
  • Pre-Program Requirement: Completion of the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (paid for by IVCA) before the program begins
  • Location: In-person program; students must reside in the Chicago metro area during the internship
  • Note: No housing or transportation provided
  • Important: This is not a hiring-track internship

IVCA Member “friends and family” are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • New in 2025: Students must be a permanent resident of Illinois OR attend an Illinois College/University AND be a permanent resident Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio or Wisconsin.
    (A valid driver’s license is required to verify residency)
  • Have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework
    (Preference given to rising juniors)
  • Possess strong communication, analytical, and Excel skills
  • Coursework in Finance or Accounting is preferred
  • Identify as either:
  • A person of color, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau (e.g., Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander), or
  • A woman

Application Deadline

Check back in late summer for the next application cycle.  Contact ivca.scholar@illinoisvc.org with questions.

What Scholars Say

🔷 Scholar Testimonial


  • "I had a great experience as an IVCA Scholar and gained valuable first-hand exposure to private equity. I was able to learn directly from CEOs, CFOs, and partners while developing my technical skills. The program has put me in a much stronger position to pursue a career in high finance.”


🔷 Firm Testimonial


  • “Our IVCA Scholar contributed to meaningful work across deal activity and operations. The program provides a strong pipeline of talent and gives students exposure to a wide range of firms—it’s a win-win.”


How will the IVCA Scholar Program benefit you? View video below.

AS A STUDENT

Information about the next application cycle will be available in late summer. We encourage you to check back for updates.


For questions, please contact ivca.scholar@illinoisvc.org.

AS A FIRM

Interested in hosting an IVCA Scholar? Connect with emerging talent and support the next generation of private equity and venture capital professionals.


To learn more about participating as a host firm, please contact ivca.scholar@illinoisvc.org.