The Polsky Small Business Growth Program supports small business owners to help them grow and scale their businesses through consulting work completed by top student talent. Small teams of University of Chicago students provide hands-on consulting experience to these companies, helping them address key business challenges and determine new strategies for business growth. With funding from JPMorgan Chase, and in partnership with the Office of Civic Engagement, this program is part of the nationwide Ascend 2020 program, which partners with top universities and institutions to provide business assistance and opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

As clients, business owners receive free consulting services from teams of student consultants, supervised by Chicago Booth faculty. This work will be organized into a three-month engagement that includes in-depth research and analysis, regular touchpoints between client and team, and the development of a final report. Clients will also receive complimentary access to the Polsky Center’s 34,000 square foot coworking facility and its resources.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Companies that have been in business for at least one year and have annual revenue exceeding $150,000 are eligible to apply. Preference will be given for minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned small businesses that are located on the South and West Side of Chicago. Owners seeking to grow their business, either in terms of increasing revenue or entering new markets are encouraged to apply.