2020 Holiday Guide: 20 Polsky-Supported Businesses

(Image from BloomNation’s Facebook page)

BloomNation // Spread holiday cheer by sending flowers to a loved one! BloomNation’s online marketplace connects customers with local florists to send a personalized arrangement. BloomNation previously participated in the 2012 Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge.

BrewBike wins $45K at the 2018 Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge.

BrewBike // BrewBike is a portable coffee shop usually found on college campuses. Since the pandemic, BrewBike has brought its popular menu online. BrewBike previously participated in the 2018 Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge and was part of the 2018 Accelerator.

(Image from Brown Sugar Bakery’s Facebook page)

Brown Sugar Bakery // Found in the Chatham neighborhood, Brown Sugar Bakery is a Southern-style bakeshop that specializes in traditional treats and custom cakes. Brown Sugar Bakery was part of the Spring 2018 and Summer 2020 cohorts of the Small Business Growth Program.

Crave Natural // This breakfast foods company combines nutrition with traditional Asian cuisine to produce all-natural, superfood oatmeal, crafted for the working individual. Crave Natural was part of the 2019 Incubator and previously participated in the 2020 Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge.

 

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Cubii // Working from home, exercise is a must. Cubii is a compact under-the-desk elliptical that integrates wirelessly with mobile devices and existing fitness trackers in order to make sitting healthier and more social. Cubii previously participated in and won the 2013 College New Venture Challenge.

Coco Meers is seen here (far left) presenting at a University of Chicago event.

Equilibria // This company was co-founded by Booth and NVC alum, Coco Meers, MBA ’14. Equilibria sells custom CBD products designed specifically for women and women’s bodies.

(Image credit: Foxtrot)

Foxtrot Market // Foxtrot Market works as a grocery store, a coffee shop, and a bar. With the app, you can get local goods delivered in under an hour. Foxtrot previously participated in the 2013 Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge.

(Image credit: Fronen)

Frönen // This dairy- and allergen-free ice cream brand only uses natural ingredients, with each flavor having 6 ingredients or less. Frönen previously participated in and won the 2017 College New Venture Challenge and was part of the 2017 Accelerator.

 

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Give Memento // This mobile app personalizes digital cash gifting for special occasions, such as the holidays. Give Memento was part of the 2019 Accelerator, previously participated in the 2019 Alumni New Venture Challenge, and is currently part of the 2020-21 cohort of the Polsky Founders’ Fund Fellowship.

Hello to Natural // For clean beauty products, visit Hello to Natural. This skin, beauty, and body care business specializes in making natural products. All products are free of additives, chemicals, parabens, plastics, and more. Hello to Natural was part of the Spring 2020 cohort of the Small Business Growth Program.

 

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Hemp Heals Body Shop // Woman-owned, Hemp Heals Body Shop provides premium, affordable CBD bath and body products. Hemp Heals Body Shop was part of the Summer 2020 cohort of the Small Business Growth Program and is currently part of the L1 Accelerator Program.