Startups to Receive Additional Support through ‘Opportunity Zones’ Programming

The Polsky Center, on behalf of the Duality quantum startup accelerator and the Polsky Exchange, has been approved for the Chicagoland Opportunity Zones Consortium’s (COZC) technical assistance initiative. Opportunity Zones…

Small Business Spotlight: Larvetta Loftin Built L3 Agency To Deliver Culturally-Aware Content, Showcase Black Female Talent

Larvetta Loftin, founder and CEO of full-service influencer marketing and communications firm The L3 Agency, has coined a motto that guides how she approaches her career: “Doing what you love…

Small Business Spotlight: Brown Sugar Bakery Hits the Sweet Spot Between Homey and Gourmet

“Some people talk about passion,” said Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery on East 75th Street in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, “I’m about discipline.” That nose-to-the-grindstone practicality has helped Hart…

Incorporation/Organization Day Helps Local Entrepreneurs Form Legal Business Entities

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently hosted Incorporation/Organization Day, a first-of-its-kind event in Chicago that connected West and South Side entrepreneurs with attorneys from local law firms to…

New Funding Expands Tech Access to South Side Entrepreneurs at the Polsky Exchange

As part of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, the Polsky Exchange leads the Chicago Tech Equity Desk – connecting South Side entrepreneurs with…

Small Business Spotlight: ‘I Choose the Ladder’ Coaches Fortune 500 Companies on Employee Development, Retention

  Three years ago, Watchen Nyanue, MBA ’22 had a dream job as the senior vice president of marketing partnerships for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. The only problem?…

Small Business Spotlight: Big Plans are Brewing For Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company

With three young children and a full-time job as a technology executive, Leecox Omollo has to be intentional about how he spends his spare time. So as he and his…

Small Business Spotlight: Egg Rolls Etc. Brings Comfort and Culture to the Frozen Food Aisle

It was a dare that brought Javon Nicholas, founder and president of Egg Rolls Etc.™, to Taiwan, and the kindness of her new community that inspired her to start…

Small Business Spotlight: Urban Roots Builds Business While Building Up Their Community

Jimmie Williams, owner of social enterprise landscaping and snow removal firm Urban Roots, had his most successful year ever last year. He used that success to hire additional employees and…

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