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Small Business Market Research Clinic

This program supports the Market Navigator Program, in which University of Chicago students are paired with small businesses participating in the cohort to conduct market research.

Using templates created by Polsky Center, students will populate unique deliverables for each business owner on their “industry outlook” or other market research basics based on reports accessed from the UChicago Library resources and other research that they conduct. All materials will be reviewed by senior Polsky Center staff before delivery to entrepreneurs.

Selected students will receive a $500 stipend.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Application Deadline
September 2026

Program Schedule
Weekly virtual team meetings with clients (scheduled at mutually agreed-upon times throughout the program)

Application and Eligibility

The Polsky Center seeks highly motivated students from across all University of Chicago programs (graduate and undergraduate) looking to gain experience in market and industry research and analysis through small business consulting.

Qualifications and requirements include:

  • Interest in finance, business management, entrepreneurship, small businesses, social impact via economic growth in an urban setting, and/or consulting
  • Experience with market research tools including, but not limited to, Pitchbook, Mintel, Statista, IbisWorld, etc.
  • Commitment to attend weekly virtual team meetings with clients, scheduled at mutually agreed-upon times throughout the program
  • Capacity to commit 10 hours per week for three weeks
  • Strong attention to detail