Polsky Center Welcomes 2026 Cohort of the Small Business Growth Program
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is welcoming the newest cohort of businesses to the Polsky Exchange Small Business Growth Program, a nine-month initiative designed to help established small businesses strengthen systems, refine growth strategies, and scale sustainably.
Funded by JPMorgan Chase, the Small Business Growth Program supports entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West Sides who are seeking to grow from six figures in annual revenue to $1 million and beyond. Participants work closely with University of Chicago students, Polsky Center staff, Chicago Booth faculty, and local business coaches to identify operational bottlenecks, implement new systems, and position their businesses to secure larger contracts and long-term opportunities.
This year, the program is also incorporating a new emphasis on the practical use of artificial intelligence as a growth tool. While AI adoption has accelerated among large companies, many small businesses have lacked access to the strategy, talent, and hands-on support needed to implement it effectively. Through the Small Business Growth Program, participants will explore where AI, and in some cases AI-powered agents, can help streamline operations, integrate workflows, and support smarter decision-making as their businesses scale.
“The Small Business Growth Program is designed for business owners who are ready to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on building systems that support long-term growth,” said Isra Omar, senior assistant director at the Polsky Center, who oversees the Small Business Growth and Small Business Financial Fundamentals programs. “This year, we’re also helping business owners explore how emerging tools like AI can be applied in thoughtful, practical ways – always grounded in their real operational needs and growth goals.”
As part of the program, student consulting teams, guided by Chicago Booth faculty and industry experts, work alongside founders to evaluate current operations and test new strategies – including potential AI-enabled solutions – tailored to each company’s workflow. The goal is not leveraging technology because it’s trendy, but instead to create durable, executable strategies that help entrepreneurs stay competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
The 2026 Small Business Growth Program cohort includes:
- Donna Bracey – BWF Consulting Group LLC
- Alison Eichhorn – Runaway Cow LLC
- Stefania Palmyra Geraki – PALMYRA PLLC
- Clare Jackson – Curl Kitchen Salon
- David Lee – Winus Packaging Corp
- Garland Lucas – Nitro Nostalgia Ice Cream & Board Game Café
- Cera Muchiri – Ecodunia
- Cassiopeia Sledge – TBM Group LLC
- Paul Toh – FlyLock Security Solutions
- Seneca Zuniga – Zuniga Insurance Agency
The cohort represents a wide range of industries, including professional services, food and beverage, consumer products, and manufacturing, and reflects the program’s focus on supporting growth-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to scale with intention.
Upon completion of the program, participants will join a growing network of Small Business Growth Program alumni and also receive access to mentorship, programming, and resources across the Polsky Center ecosystem.
The Small Business Growth program is supported by Compass Group/Chartwells; South Shore Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Loren Williams, EdD from the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce; and Chicago Booth Professor Craig Terrill.