Our Story
The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) began as a student initiative at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign YMCA in 2007. Founded by four environmentally conscious students, the organization started as C.O.R.E.—Community Organized Recycling Efforts—aiming to enhance recycling access in multi-family housing. This grassroots effort evolved into a comprehensive green business education and certification program, officially becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008.