10 Small Businesses Graduate from Polsky Center’s Small Business Growth Program

Last month at the Polsky Exchange, mentors, sponsors, and participants gathered to celebrate the graduation of the latest cohort of the Polsky Center’s Small Business Growth Program (SBG).

Over the course of nine months, entrepreneurs worked side by side with University of Chicago graduate students, Booth faculty, and local business coaches to refine their strategies, implement new systems, and position their businesses for long-term success.

For many entrepreneurs in this year’s cohort, the Small Business Growth Program provided not only practical business strategies, but also the structure, support, and resources needed to move their companies forward.

For Sara Gregory, the program came at a pivotal moment. Shifts in the market beyond her control had slowed her longstanding business, Diversity Connected, and forced her to rethink her future. With the support of Polsky advisors and students, Gregory launched Sara Gregory Solutions, a new company built on her expertise and reputation.

“The program gave me the clarity and structure I needed at a critical moment,” she said. “I left with a complete launch plan, identified business sectors to target for growth, and a clear roadmap to reposition myself in the marketplace.”

Elizabeth Colon, founder of Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions, discovered two critical gaps that were holding her business back: the lack of a CRM system and the absence of a project management tool. “Without a CRM, we were unintentionally losing potential customers,” she said. Thanks to the insights of her student team, Metaphrasis now has a clear path to stronger follow-up, streamlined workflows, and improved accountability.

“I am grateful, and this was made possible through the Polsky Center, a grant and the incredible students who delivered a thoughtful, thorough, and actionable presentation. Their professionalism and dedication made this an outstanding experience, and their findings have set us up for greater success,” she said.

For Marques Elliston of Dsgnrz Creative Agency, the experience was defined by collaboration. Working with UChicago students and partner Qui Virtual Solutions, his team created a clear growth funnel for his project It’s Just Breakfast. “The grant we received to put the plan into action has been a huge help,” he said, calling the program “a great experience” he would recommend to others.

Quinton McNair, owner of Strugglebeard Bakery, described the program as “a game-changer.” Beyond the business insights, it reinforced his bakery’s mission of community, resilience, and empowerment. “With the support of Polsky, we’re not just baking cookies — we’re building a stronger foundation to grow, uplift, and continue serving our Hyde Park community and beyond.”

For Dozzy Ibekwe, the program marked a turning point for Dozzy’s Grill. With guidance from coaches, he undertook a full brand refresh and moved operations, transforming the restaurant’s growth trajectory. He credited the Polsky team for being “quarterbacks” throughout the journey: “I leave the program better equipped, more confident, and inspired to continue growing with the Polsky Center as a member.”

Allecia Harley, founder of IntuWork Consulting, entered the program amid a crisis as federal grant cuts to nonprofits had caused her revenue to collapse. Through the Small Business Growth Program, she rebuilt her business model, clarified her value proposition, and implemented a new lead generation system. “From facing an existential crisis in March to having clear systems and sustainable growth strategies in place by August, this transformation happened because of the program’s expert guidance and practical support,” she said.

2025 Cohort Graduates

This year’s cohort included:

• Sara Gregory – Sara Gregory Solutions
• Dozzy Ibekwe – Dozzy’s Grill
• Jay Harris – Drinks On Me Chicago
• Marques Elliston – Dsgnrz Creative Agency
• Allecia Harley – IntuWork Consulting
• Elizabeth Colon – Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions
• Terri Evans – Rylon’s Smokehouse Partners, LLP
• Connie Wyatt Winston – S.A.I.D. Strategy Group Incorporated
• Quinton McNair – Strugglebeard Bakery
• CJ Harris – That’s So Creative, LLC

Funded by JPMorgan Chase, the Small Business Growth Program is designed to support entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West sides — helping them navigate growth challenges and build sustainable companies. Alumni include well-known names such as Brown Sugar Bakery, Chocolat Uzma, and Eventnoire.

The Polsky Center is now accepting applications for the next Small Business Growth Program cohort.

Eligibility requirements include South and West side business owners seeking to grow their businesses from six figures in annual revenue to over $1 million, and who are seeking to secure larger contracts with corporations.

Additional requirements include founders who are

• Ready to make shifts in your business to achieve greater success.
• Seeking to grow your customer base.
• Prepared to spend time to work on your business (and not just in your business), i.e. step away from daily operations to grow the business.
• Able to attend virtual meetings weekly with your dedicated team, and an in-person gathering at the start and close of the program.

The deadline to apply is Monday, November 10, at 2 p.m. If you need any assistance or clarification while completing the application, please contact Isra Omar at isra.omar@chicagobooth.edu.