Chicago Entrepreneur Programs

Chicago business people understand that running a real world business demands cultivating an attitude of gratitude towards customers, and having the right energy sources.

They provide fresh thinking and new perspectives to a range of industries ranging from digital manufacturing, industrial parts distribution and foam insulation, and often take the social problems of our times as part of their mission.

The Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame

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The Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame is a tribute to business leaders who have had a significant influence on their local communities. Since 1985, over 500 successful entrepreneurs have earned this award; students as well as business executives and politicians alike have used it as an incentive to honor entrepreneurialism. Notable inductees include Leonard Lavin (founder of Alberto-Culver Company); John W Baird (chairman in emeritus at Baird Warner); Gian M Fulgoni (CEO of comScore); and Gordon Segal (founder of Crate Barrel).

Mark Tebbe has been actively participating in entrepreneurial education for over three decades. He has served as judge and mentor in the University of Chicago Booth New Venture Competition; Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Entrepreneur-in-residence for College of Engineering UIC; as well as being recognized as an expert on emerging technology with contributions published nationwide.

Laurette is an entrepreneur and woman in business, and is a fervent proponent of female management, inclusion and technological advancements. She has been a speaker at conferences like Web Summit, Inbound, Collision and Forbes conferences. Additionally she was a co-host for events hosted by Technori the media business which assists founders and owners in gaining a better understanding of their companies more intimately.

The Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship Innovation

The Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship Innovation offers entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups with the opportunity to begin, develop and sustain businesses. Through business mentoring sessions or networking events, they can gain access to financial resources; Supplier diversity certificates can be obtained, as are proposals for public and private contracts. Furthermore, free entrepreneurship webinars and startup mentors are offered.

The Urban League currently provides services to over 6,300 job seekers as well as business owners from Chatham. In the future, those who support it are able to help fund this expansion by making planned gifts for the Urban League; such donations ensure its work can continue to the next generation.

This event allows entrepreneurs in the process to get assistance from CEOs, business experts and other professionals. Alongside, seminars on topics like technology, capital access as well as procurement will occur all day long - and are no cost for those who want to be an entrepreneur!

Every IMPACT Fellow is joined by an African American leader from their community to create an intergenerational exchange of ideas. Entrepreneurs who attend nine monthly training sessions will be required to do homework between sessions in order to complete the growth plan presentation at the end of the IMPACT fellowship. IMPACT Fellows are also able to use the shared workspace at 1871 and other incubators in the course of their fellowship.

Sunshine Enterprises

Sunshine Enterprises aims to help high-potential business owners in neighborhoods with limited resources to grow their businesses and transform their communities. Their 12-week Community Business Academy and ongoing Support for Business Acceleration Services (such as coaching, microgrants workshops, networking opportunities and training) help this happen.

Sunshine gives entrepreneurs access to the financial support that can be the largest obstacle in starting or expanding their company. The company's Business Coaches work one-on-one with each business owner to determine what kind of finance is required and create a plan to obtain it. Furthermore, Sunshine works with a network of financing partners including Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Byline Bank, CIBC Bank and Wintrust Community Bank among many others.

The model of Rising Tide Capital is the foundation of the non-profit's operations. President Obama has recognized Rising Tide Capital for their Community Business Academy which has been instrumental in bringing life back to neighborhoods and change the lives of people. The majority of graduates went on to establish their own businesses or to create employment.

Sunshine Enterprises provides local entrepreneurs with support via UChicago Local. The partnership between UChicago Medicine and the University will allow the university to restructure its procurement department so that it can use greater local businesses that provide competition-based bids. This will help grow small-scale businesses that are located that are located in Chicago while also contributing to the social initiatives of the university. UChicago Local also links local entrepreneurs served by Sunshine Enterprises with other programming like Chicago Innovation Exchange or Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship located at Law School and expands possibilities.

Incubatoredu

INCubatoredu offers students the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship in a real way as they create their own product startup. Students will be supported by a mentor and instructor in every class to assist them in their ideas, including washable foot inserts and apps for social networking.

When teams of students progress through the program, they learn how to refine and strengthen their ideas for startups by conducting research on ideas and customers and market research. They also learn about developing prototypes, pitching and building. The process encourages cooperation and problem-solving skills and teaches students to swiftly change to new circumstances.

Every team is competing for funds at the INCubatoredu National Pitch, which takes place every year. This event provides teams with valuable networking experiences for investors, as well as expert advice from business professionals and is a renowned event for the shark tank-style pitching sessions.

INCubatoredu provides students and teachers with an opportunity to build strong bonds that last beyond the classroom walls, impacting colleges or careers as well as community beyond the boundaries of classrooms. Listen to INCubatoredu's graduates describe their surprising and anticipated life-changing effects!