The SBDC* New Business Start Support Program guides aspiring entrepreneurs from idea to official business launch. Through structured weekly sessions, one-on-one advising, and hands-on compliance support, the program ensures that each client completes required registrations, conducts early business activities, and documents measurable economic impact. The Program: Support clients in officially… Read More
This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different forms of capital. The speakers for this event are Tina Hrabak, head of platform, LongJump and Brian Crump, principal, Chicago Early Growth Ventures. Tina Hrabak is head of platform at LongJump, the… Read More
This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different forms of capital. The speakers for this event are Andrew Leon Hanna and Anny Dow, cofounders of Mona Ventures. Mona is a platform that helps small businesses access capital from mission-driven funders. Andrew is a… Read More
This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different forms of capital. The speaker for this event is Amanda Askew, senior community lender, Allies for Community Business. Allies for Community Business supports entrepreneurs from any background to start and grow their businesses and… Read More
This series features presentations by capital providers and information about how to access different forms of capital. This speaker for this event is Mike McCracken, senior vice president, Hyde Park Bank/Beverly Bank (Wintrust). Beverly Bank & Trust provides Illinois with the resources of a big bank while maintaining… Read More
Join the Polsky Center and Entrepreneur-in-Residence Melissa Harris for an informative workshop on how to build a pitch deck. A great pitch deck is more than a collection of slides—it’s a strategic story about your vision, your market, and the opportunity you’re creating. This workshop will teach you how… Read More
Join the Polsky Center and Christina Hachikian, adjunct associate professor of strategic management at Chicago Booth and founder of Hatch Gemini, for an informative workshop on how to tell a story with your financial modeling. This session will teach you how to transform quantitative analysis into compelling, strategic narratives… Read More
Join the Polsky Center and Jeff Berman for an informative workshop on how startups miss their market. Participants will learn how to validate demand, identify customers who actually care, and adapt their product or strategy before time and capital run out. This is part 1 of a… Read More
The Polsky Exchange and 37 Oaks run this program for businesses seeking to add or increase e-commerce capabilities as a strategy for growth. Funded by Verizon, the E-Commerce Growth program supports Chicago-based small businesses to strengthen their e-commerce foundation, improve performance, and build a… Read More
Understand how 2026 e-commerce trends, consumer behavior, technology, and forecasts can drive growth, scale, and profitability for your business. Learn what’s changing in the industry and how to position your company to succeed. Learn more about the Polsky Exchange E-Commerce Growth Program >>
Driving traffic to an e-commerce site is only the first step—next, you need to turn site visitors into paying customers. This course outlines the top ways to drive e-commerce conversion and includes live site audits to help put the learning into practice. Learn more about the Polsky… Read More
Whether you are a brick-and-mortar business planning to scale or a local brand looking to grow sales, you must understand e-commerce to stay competitive. This session will cover the basics of e-commerce so you can plan for long-term success. Learn more about the Polsky Exchange E-Commerce Growth Program >>