Helping founders find community and connections
One-on-one advising and compliance support for South Side Chicago residents and aspiring entrepreneurs to turn a business idea into an officially registered business — covering licensing, registration, legal structure selection, and early-stage planning.
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Designed to strengthen the use of businesses owned by women and racial/ethnic minorities. In addition, other identified socially disadvantaged groups as defined in City purchasing and contracting policies and to build capacity for these businesses through mentoring and training and to develop and sustain a diverse pool of qualified businesses used by the City of Champaign.
Learn more →Informal founder community program connecting entrepreneurs with Entrepreneur-in-Residence Mia Saini Duchnowski for peer sessions, inspiration, and 1:1 support — designed to build community among active venture builders.
Learn more →Empowers all women, promotes professionalism and develops leadership abilities through purposeful inclusion, education, mentoring, networking, and community involvement.
Learn more →Free nine-month cohort-based program pairing South Side Chicago small business owners with Chicago Booth MBA student consultant teams to develop growth strategies, address specific business challenges, and connect to capital — 90% minority-owned participants, 70% women-owned.
Learn more →We are dedicated to empowering women at all stages of their careers through networking, professional development, and mentorship opportunities.
Learn more →For women who want to grow their network, become a stronger leader and advance their business/career.
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