10 Entrepreneurs Graduate from E-Commerce Learning Lab
Launched in partnership with 37 Oaks, supported by GET Cities’ Tech Equity Working Group (now part of World Business Chicago), and with additional funding provided by Verizon, the E-Commerce Learning Lab gave ten Chicago-based entrepreneurs the tools and resources to succeed online.
Running from May 2023 to August 2024, the E-Commerce Learning Lab introduced entrepreneurs to different components of e-commerce each month, including learning how to attract customers, grow sales, and establish their brands online.
“This program has been a life-changer for me in regards to building up my presence online, learning how to generate customers, and building a sustainable business over time online,” said Jacqueline Foreman, founder of IceBoxx.
“As new business owners, we think we’ll get a website up, and we’re just going to be an overnight success, but no, it’s a journey,” said Casey Roberson Trawick, founder of Liquid Dyet. “This class helped me to see that and to change my perspective in the right way.”
In addition to the educational component, participants received hands-on coaching, warehousing and fulfillment support, access to the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform and 37 Oaks University, and membership to the Polsky Exchange—all at no cost.
The benefits of the program also went beyond education and tangible resources.
“Beyond the coaching, we also built a community of business owners who were going through the same journey,” said Trawick. “You had that support system – people that understand the ups and downs.”
Cedric Salone, founder, Bedewed Skin, also recognized the importance of the community.
“We all came together and were able to bond and encourage each other to keep moving forward, which is hard to find in entrepreneurship,” said Salone.
The first cohort included:
- Casey Roberson Trawick, Liquid Dyet, LLC
- Cassandra Monfiston, Herb & Sip Tea Co.
- Cedric Salone, Bedewed Skin
- Debra Tyson, Original Woman Headwraps
- Donna Beasley, KaZoom Kids Books
- Erika Jackson, Lotus Noir Co.
- Feyifunmi Sangoleye, TeMi Beads
- Jacqueline Foreman, IceBoxx, LLC
- Lisa Marsh, MsPsGFree Inc.
- Tami Yarbrough, Cheryl Renee’s Things