Polsky Center Announces 2026 E-Commerce Growth Blueprint Cohort

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has announced the 2026 cohort for the Polsky Exchange’s E-Commerce Growth Blueprint Program, a hands-on program designed to help small businesses strengthen their online sales and digital presence.

Delivered in partnership with 37 Oaks, the E-Commerce Growth Blueprint Program is a selective, cohort-based experience for entrepreneurs looking to deepen their e-commerce strategy and improve online performance through practical, implementation-focused support.

The program is part of the Polsky Exchange’s broader e-commerce initiative, which also included a series of three free public workshops — Introduction to E-Commerce, E-Commerce Conversion, and The State of the E-Commerce Industry — that were open to the public and drew a total of 52 attendees.

Nineteen businesses were selected to participate in the E-Commerce Growth Blueprint cohort. Over several weeks, participants will work through a structured program designed to evaluate their current digital presence and implement strategies to grow online sales.

“Small businesses that win in 2026 and beyond won’t just have a website. They’ll have strong e-commerce capabilities,” said Barbara Agyapong, program manager at the Polsky Exchange. “This program is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and give them practical tools, personalized guidance, and hands-on support so they can strengthen their digital presence and increase online sales.”

Through the program, participating businesses receive a comprehensive e-commerce readiness assessment, a full digital presence audit, and a tailored 60-day e-commerce growth plan outlining priority actions to strengthen their online sales strategy. Participants also receive dedicated one-on-one coaching, access to Verizon Small Business Digital Ready resources, and hands-on strategy and implementation support from University of Chicago interns.

Fifteen University of Chicago interns are supporting participating businesses throughout the program, helping implement improvements such as website updates, online store optimization, digital marketing strategies, and customer acquisition tools. In addition, the initiative includes 10 focus groups with small businesses to better understand the challenges entrepreneurs face when selling online and to help shape program content and resources.

The 2026 E-Commerce Growth Blueprint Program includes:

• Assuage Therapies // Assuage Therapies produces shelf-stable, packaged organic body care products.
• Audible Edge Music Group, LLC // Audible Edge Music Group is a jazz record label offering physical and digital music products, merchandise, and creative services.
• Be Original LLC // Be Original designs bold, faith-based apparel for modern consumers.
• BLK Chicago // BLK Chicago is a branded apparel company selling small-batch and print-on-demand apparel through an online storefront.
• Dozzy’s Grill // Dozzy’s Grill is a Chicago-based West African hospitality company offering prepared food products and curated dining experiences, with a growing focus on scalable e-commerce food products.
• eukari // eukari offers sustainable womenswear essentials made from eco-friendly fabrics and shipped in recyclable packaging.
• Funda Brands // Funda Brands is a personal care company offering smart hygiene products, including an odor-eliminating shower foam.
• Hyde & Park Co // Hyde & Park Co produces home fragrance and personal care products including candles, room sprays, diffusers, and soaps.
• Kuleta Inc // Kuleta is a cross-border e-commerce platform selling shelf-stable African goods sourced from women-owned businesses in Kenya to U.S. consumers.
• Lillian Augusta Beauty // Lillian Augusta Beauty offers plant-based hair extensions.
• MITTS (Made It Through the Struggle) // MITTS sells apparel and accessories while also offering community and personal development services.
• Morphed Beauty // Morphed Beauty produces shea butter-based body care products including body butters, scrubs, oils, and body wash.
• Plateful // Plateful is an AI-powered nutrition platform that gamifies healthy eating through interactive learning and a smart plate designed for children.
• Renee Ramore // Renee Ramore offers premium salon-quality hair care products along with professional hair care services and education.
• Royal Rainn Corporation // Royal Rainn sells faith-based and inspirational products online and provides consulting services to help entrepreneurs grow their e-commerce presence.
• Swelter Coffee Roasters // Swelter Coffee sells high-quality coffee beans sourced from women coffee producers and shipped directly to consumers or wholesale partners.
• The Evolution Collective LLC // The Evolution Collective provides consulting and legal services along with educational content including books, podcasts, and newsletters.
• TrnscndWellness LLC // TrnscndWellness sells Talk, a fluoride-free, hydroxyapatite-enriched toothpaste that is vegan certified and dentist recommended.
• ZIAIRE // ZIAIRE sells clothing, jewelry, bags, and hats handmade in the USA and Nigeria.

Ten companies, including Hyde & Park Co, Lillian Augusta Beauty, Morphed Beauty, Swelter Coffee Roasters, and TrnscndWellness, are participating in the focus groups to better understand how websites communicate their brand, products, and value to customers. Additional participating companies include:

• Fundamenstrals // Fundamenstrals develops menstrual health products designed for teen girls, women with heavy cycles or fibroids, postpartum mothers, and women navigating perimenopause.
• Ja’ Grill Hyde Park // Ja’ Grill Hyde Park is a restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine to a wide audience ranging from college students to families and adults.
• Strugglebeard Bakery // Strugglebeard Bakery creates premium, creative desserts and baked goods for experience-driven customers, foodies, and community-minded consumers who value quality, culture, and unique dessert experiences.
• Suuri Design // Suuri Design creates products and designs for women over 30 with a focus on style, design, and lifestyle products.