Helping founders find community and connections
Free five-week cohort program for South Side Chicago community inventors and innovators to explore the commercial potential and market impact of their products and ideas — with five educational sessions, 20+ customer interviews required, and cohort mentorship.
Share this program with someone via SMS or email
Go to the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago hub page
We'll draft an intro email to connect you with this program
See the full program details and how to apply
Find out if this program is a good fit for you
Add a calendar reminder with program details
Request to speak with a mentor from this program
Offers education, networking opportunities and other assistance to entrepreneurs and existing businesses to help them increase their market potential.
Learn more →Workshop series for South Side Chicago entrepreneurs and Polsky Exchange members covering how to access different forms of capital — including traditional lending, alternative financing, SBDC resources, and investor presentations.
Learn more →Intensive bootcamp for early-stage founders to test assumptions, validate ideas, and engage directly with customers — focusing on problem-solution fit through structured interviews and market exploration.
Learn more →Free coaching, digital strategy, and e-commerce support program for South Side Chicago businesses seeking to add or increase online sales capabilities — developed in collaboration with 37 Oaks.
Learn more →Free 10-week program for growth-stage South Side Chicago businesses using market research and AI-powered tools to identify customers, analyze markets, and uncover growth opportunities — with structured customer discovery methodology and cohort-based learning.
Learn more →Advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities.
Learn more →Workshop for entrepreneurs and small business owners to develop and refine pitching skills for effective communication with investors, lenders, and partners — offered through the Polsky Exchange.
Learn more →Free 10-week cohort program at the Polsky Exchange helping South Side Chicago small business owners build stronger financial management knowledge and skills — covering financial statements, cash flow, budgeting, and growth financing.
Learn more →