Polsky Small Business Financial Fundamentals begins with a nine week intensive program occurring January – March 2025 for South or West side businesses to receive tailored technical assistance and consultation related to financial capital pathways and preparedness, business finance education, and coaching.

South and West Side business owners with annual revenues approximately $250,000-$500,000 who are actively seeking to secure capital through a bank loan or other fundraising are welcome to apply. Business owners will also receive guidance on improving their financial reporting and using financial statements to make strategic decisions.

Participants should be:

// Ready to make shifts in their businesses to achieve greater success.

// Prepared to spend time to work on their businesses (and not just in their businesses), i.e. be able to step away from daily operations to grow the business.

// Able to attend an in-person gathering at the start and close of the program.

// Have a set of financial statements, i.e. income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Minimum requirement for participation is a P&L (income) statement; assistance is available to create if needed.

// Commitment to attend all classroom sessions.

The deadline to apply is Monday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. CST. If you need any assistance or clarification while completing the application, please contact Isra Omar at isra.omar@chicagobooth.edu. Inquiries received by 9:00 a.m. on November 15 will be addressed before the deadline.