From New Locations to Million-Dollar Grants, Polsky Small Business Growth Program Alumni Continue to Grow

Alumni from the Polsky Exchange’s Small Business Growth Program.

Alumni of the Polsky Small Business Growth Program are marking a series of major milestones, from opening additional locations to securing grants and contracts worth more than $1M.

The business owners recently shared updates during an alumni celebration hosted at Hyde Park Labs. Among the developments: two $1 million grants, a $250,000 infrastructure award, multiple planned storefronts, and a new luggage collection that sold out following its national television debut.

“The progress these businesses are making reflects the hard work and persistence of the entrepreneurs behind them,” said Isra Omar, who leads the Small Business Growth Program at the Polsky Center. “This celebration gave us an opportunity to recognize how far they have come, hear what they are working toward next, and bring together a community of business owners who can continue learning from and supporting one another.”

Expanding locations and reaching new customers

Nicole Jordan Catering is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it continues to expand its client roster and pursue new opportunities.

Founded by UChicago alum Nicole Jordan, the company now caters events at venues including the Field Museum, Venue 610, the Chicago Architecture Center, Impact House, and Crawford in Naperville. Over the past decade, the business has grown into the six-to-seven-figure revenue range and is working to secure additional catering opportunities across the University of Chicago.

Several food businesses are also expanding their physical footprints.

Kabob-It, founded by Maisha Oliver, opened its second location at the Illinois Institute of Technology in August. A potential third location is already under discussion.

Haire’s Gulf Shrimp now operates three locations and is planning a fourth in Auburn Gresham. The expansion is supported by a $150,000 Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development Grant, with owner Aisha Murff seeking additional funding to help cover the cost of acquiring the new space.

Murff was also honored with a Living Legacy Award on June 12 during the Taste of Greater Chatham event. Presented by the Greater Chatham Initiative, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and Verizon, the award recognized Murff’s leadership and her work to grow Haire’s to multiple locations.

Securing capital, contracts, and new opportunities

Other program alumni are using grants and contracts to take on larger projects and build additional capacity.

Front & Center Construction secured a $250,000 infrastructure grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, along with a new contract connected to full inspections at the Oak Park Housing Authority. The company is also training contractors to help meet the demand created by the new work.

Enspyre has secured two $1 million grants and is completing a solar power project in Kankakee. The company is also interested in pursuing additional federal-adjacent business opportunities connected to the University of Chicago.

Launching new products and business models

For Ms. Jetsetter, a national television appearance provided a high-profile platform for the company’s new luggage line.

The collection launched on “CBS Mornings” and sold out, earning the company a return appearance. Ms. Jetsetter is now seeking additional retail channels beyond Macy’s, Kohl’s, Walgreens, and airport stores.

Qui Virtual Support Solutions, meanwhile, is building on the results of its first virtual-assistant matching event. The event achieved a 75% placement rate, and the company is now working to scale the model through an AI-supported matching application.

Other alumni are increasing their visibility through media and event partnerships. Strugglebeard Bakery was recently featured in a live demonstration on WGN and is partnering with XL Fest on upcoming events.

These milestones demonstrate one of the Small Business Program’s main goals: helping businesses prepare to secure larger customers, contracts, and sources of capital as they work to grow from six figures in annual revenue to more than $1 million.

Funded by JPMorgan Chase, the Polsky Small Business Growth Program supports businesses on Chicago’s South and West sides through a 30-week consulting engagement. Teams of University of Chicago graduate students work alongside participating business owners to research challenges, develop growth strategies, and support implementation.Participating businesses can also deploy up to $5,000 toward approved vendors to help put their growth plans into action.