The Polsky Small Business Growth Program pairs teams of highly skilled University of Chicago students with small business owners located in the South and West Side of Chicago. These businesses receive hands-on consulting support aimed at addressing specific business challenges and determining new strategies for growth.

Student consultants will carry out a full consulting project, working closely with small businesses to address challenges related to growth and innovation. The students will receive training on growth marketing and innovation topics, research and analysis approaches, the consulting process, and client relations. Students will receive compensation for their project work.

Who should apply:

This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in business management, entrepreneurship, small businesses, social impact through economic growth in an urban setting, or consulting.

This work will be organized into a three-month engagement that includes in-depth research and analysis, regular touchpoints between client and team, optional virtual peer support cohorts for the small business owners, and the development of a mid-term and final report for the client. Students are expected to commit 40 hours per week.