Small Business Growth Program

The Polsky Small Business Growth Program supports the growth and success of businesses on Chicago’s South and West sides. Funded by JPMorgan Chase, the program offers valuable business assistance and opportunities for businesses in these communities.

Through this program, teams of highly skilled University of Chicago graduate students provide hands-on consulting to participating companies, helping them address key business challenges and develop new strategies for growth.

The Polsky Center works with external partner organizations such as Chartwells, the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, and the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce. Program partners help participants secure contracting opportunities, financing, and other wrap-around services.

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

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Program Timeline

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Applications and Eligibility

The Polsky Small Business Growth Program supports South and West Side entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through coaching and consulting work completed by top student talent under supervision of local business leader coaches and Chicago Booth faculty.

Application

I’m Interested in Being a Client:

The Polsky Center seeks existing small business owners who can benefit from the personalized, no-cost consultation that this program offers. The goal is to better position small businesses to apply for capital.

I’m Interested in Being a Student Consultant:

The Polsky Center seeks highly motivated UChicago graduate students interested in applying to be business development or business planning consultants. Student consultants receive training on growth marketing and innovation topics, research and analysis approaches, best practices for consulting engagements, and skills for managing successful client relations, with support from an executive coach throughout.

Student Interest Form

Eligibility

For Clients:

South and West Side business owners seeking to grow their businesses from six figures in annual revenue to over $1M, who are seeking to secure larger contracts with corporations and are:

Ready to make shifts in their businesses to achieve greater success;
Seeking to grow their customer base;
Prepared to spend time working on their businesses (and not just in their businesses); and
Able to attend weekly virtual meetings with their dedicated teams, plus an in-person gathering at the start and close of the program.

For Student Consultants:

Experience in business management, entrepreneurship, small businesses, social impact via economic growth in an urban setting, and/or consulting;
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
Ability to be proactive and follow through with attention to detail;
Availability to attend weekly virtual meetings with your team/client, plus an in-person gathering at the start and close of the program; and
Capacity to commit 10 hours per week.

Preference is given to students with previous consulting experience. This program is open to Chicago Booth MBA and Master in Management/Finance students, who receive a small stipend for their project work.