UChicago’s Polsky Exchange Expands Its Commitment to South Side Economic Growth with the Launch of a New Illinois Small Business Development Center

The Center will be the first dedicated to supporting professional services and technology entrepreneurs on the south side. The Polsky Exchange at the University of Chicago will soon launch a…

Small Business Spotlight: Urban Roots Builds Business While Building Up Their Community

Jimmie Williams, owner of social enterprise landscaping and snow removal firm Urban Roots, had his most successful year ever last year. He used that success to hire additional employees and…

Small Business Spotlight: Getting Lost Leads Owner of Forty Acres Fresh Market to Find Her Entrepreneurial Spirit

When Liz Abunaw, MBA’14, stepped off the No. 66 bus in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood six years ago, she wasn’t looking to change her life. She was looking for a bank.…

Students and Small Businesses Work Together to Address Challenges, Form Strategies for Growth

Small businesses in Chicago and across the US have been hit hard during the shutdowns and changes affecting our economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yelp estimates,…

Polsky Center Leader Starr Marcello Testifies Before Congress

Starr Marcello, executive director of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, testified before the United States House of Representatives Small Business Committee on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The hearing,…