Small Business Growth: Polsky Expands Support for Small Business Owners

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many small businesses to change their business models overnight, the Polsky Center expanded its Small Business Growth Program, accepting the largest-ever cohort of 21 new and returning business owners for Summer 2020:

• A Polished Work is a full-service nail salon that hires licensed technicians from underserved communities.
• Anthos Training Clubs is a personal training gym in Hyde Park that specializes in body sculpting, post- rehabilitation, sports performance, and nutrition.
• Boxperience is a way for top salespeople and business leaders to share an experience with their most valued clients in the aftermath of the pandemic.
• Brown Sugar Bakery is a Southern-style bakeshop specializing in traditional treats and custom cakes.
• Dinobi Detergent is a plant-based detergent that aims to accommodate anyone with precious skin who wants to live a greener lifestyle.
• DSS Global is a retained executive search firm that specializes in diversity and inclusion.
• Food Love is a cafe located in Washington Park offering dry rubs, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals.
• Front and Center Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage in Chicago’s Bronzeville community.
• Futurama Beauty Academy offers a 1,500 hour cosmetology course and seven-chair salon.
• Hemp Heals Body Shop is a woman-owned business that provides premium CBD bath and body products.
• Integrated Medical Center is a drug-free alternative for disease prevention and management.
• JMCServe provides professional-level residential and commercial cleaning services.
• Leadaz Athletic Footwear is a sports and fitness company that designs athletic footwear.
• Lilly Grant Candle Studio is a boutique candle manufacturing studio.
• Love Cork Screw is a wine and lifestyle brand offering consumers wine, entertainment, and other services.
• Neil St Blues is a full-service restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue serving Cajun cuisine.
• Pyramid Solutions and Marketing is a digital marketing, event production, and tech firm.
• S & M Plow Corp. is a commercial snow removal and landscaping company.
• Solo Noir for Men offers 100% natural 2-in-1 skin care products for the busy male.
• SoulPäz Bath and Body provides handmade and therapeutic bath and body products.

Learn more about the Small Business Growth Program: Contact Isra Omar // iomar@uchicago.edu