This workshop will introduce entrepreneurs to certifications that can help secure contracts, focusing on the available certifications in the state of Illinois. Speaker Bruce Montgomery is an active contributor to Chicago’s business, technology, and cultural communities, and currently serves as the Acting Commissioner of the State… Read More
This program is for small businesses seeking to add or increase e-commerce capabilities as a strategy for growth. Funded by GET Cities and Verizon, the E-Commerce Learning Lab involves diverse-owned, Chicago-based businesses working with 37 Oaks [https://www.37oaks.com] and the Polsky Exchange [… Read More
The E-Commerce Learning Lab will launch in May 2023 to help entrepreneurs add e-commerce capabilities to their businesses. Business owners are invited to attend this information session to learn more about this no-cost, year-long program, and apply at https://airtable.com/shrC03ztwqGaJJnDN. This program is for small businesses seeking to add or increase… Read More
Speaker: Song Chae, Regional Development Manager, Founders First Capital Partners. Founders First Capital Partners provides revenue-based funding, term loans and advisory services to service-based small businesses located outside of major capital markets. This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different… Read More
Speaker: Jason Swan, Assistant Vice President & Relationship Manager, Hyde Park Bank/Beverly Bank (Wintrust). Beverly Bank & Trust provides Illinois with the resources of a big bank while maintaining the personalized service of a true local community bank. This series features presentations by capital providers and… Read More
Entrepreneurs who have been operating their businesses, as well as those with brand new ideas and ventures, are welcome to join licensed attorneys to establish their legal Illinois entities. Attorneys will advise on entity choice and help founders prepare organization or incorporation filings for the Illinois Secretary of State. The Polsky… Read More
Speaker: John Bodnar, Small Business Community Lender, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA. CRF is a leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CRF supports mission-driven organizations, increases economic mobility, and builds strong local economies through the development of solutions aimed at creating an equitable financial system. This series… Read More
The first event in this series will include an overview of the different types of capital available to businesses: debt (loans), equity investment (venture capital or angel investment), revenue-based financing, and crowdfunding. The remainder of the series will feature financial institutions that invest in and/or lend to businesses. This series… Read More
The Physical Products Incubator is a six-week long program designed to help inventors and innovators go from idea to prototype. Instructional sessions are held in-person at the Polsky Exchange North, 1452 E. 53rd St, 2nd Floor, and the Polsky Center Fab Lab, 1463 E. 53rd St., 2nd Floor. The program… Read More
Speaker: John C Thrasher, VP of Relationship Manager Minority Business Development, PNC Bank. PNC Bank offers a wide range of personal banking services including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgage loans, auto loans, and more. This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different… Read More
Speaker: Savannah Boren, Senior Business Consultant, JPMorgan Chase – Minority Entrepreneur Initiative. JP Morgan Chase’s Minority Entreprenur Initiative supports business owners in growing their businesses through accessible education, coaching, and banking solutions. This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different forms of capital. Each… Read More
Speaker: Ronald Milsap, Director, BMO Harris Bank. BMO is the 8th largest bank in North America by assets. They provide personal and commercial banking, global markets, and investment banking services to more than 12 million customers. This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different… Read More