The Polsky Small Business Financial Fundamentals is a nine-week complimentary program occurring in April/May for minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned small businesses that are located on the South or West side of Chicago. Through this program, participants will receive educational workshops, tailored technical assistance, consultation related to financial capital pathways, preparedness, and coaching. The goal is to better position small businesses to apply for capital.

What small business clients will receive:

• Financial management knowledge and skills training from Chicago Booth faculty and financial partners
• Responsive financial analysis and assistance in looking at past operations and forecasting a post-COVID reality for companies
• Participation in a learning cohort of other business owners facing similar opportunities and challenges
• Development of a final, individualized report focused around an agreed upon topic and based on research and touch points between client and team
• Individualized preparation for, and analysis of, appropriate financial capital opportunities
• Access to the Polsky Center resources; i.e. mentorship, programming, etc.

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and UChicago Office of Civic Engagement are thankful to support from the Chicago Community Loan Fund for this program and partnership with Seaway – a Division of Self-Help FCU, GN Bank in developing the Small Business Financial Fundamentals program.