The New Business Start Support Program

• Individuals who have a business idea, are in the early development stage, or have not yet officially started their business according to SBA guidelines.
• Existing businesses may participate if they have not yet completed all steps required for an official SBA “business start.”

• Business name/DBA
• State/local business licenses
• Federal or state tax IDs

• Completing a small sale
• Hiring or contracting essential help
• Applying for and/or seek capital
• Incurring legitimate business startup expenses

Program participants must meet the following expectations:

• Devote at least 15 hours per week to working on their idea.

• Attend a 2.5-hour, in-person session each week, which includes presentations, discussions, and group case studies.

• Participate in advisory sessions with SBDC advisors and complete weekly assessments outside of the in-person sessions.

• Complete at least three advisory sessions with their advisor before the end of the program.

The program will begin in February 2026 and will require an average of four hours per week for seven weeks.

Eligibility:

Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m.

For assistance or clarification while completing the application, please contact Barbara Agyapong at bagyapong@uchicago.edu.

Program participants must meet the following expectations:

• Devote at least 15 hours per week to working on their idea.

• Attend a 2.5-hour, in-person session each week, which includes presentations, discussions, and group case studies.

• Participate in advisory sessions with SBDC advisors and complete weekly assessments outside of the in-person sessions.

• Complete at least three advisory sessions with their advisor before the end of the program.

The program will begin in February 2026 and will require an average of four hours per week for seven weeks.

Eligibility:

Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m.

For assistance or clarification while completing the application, please contact Barbara Agyapong at bagyapong@uchicago.edu.