Chicago’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant and diverse, with numerous organizations dedicated to supporting small business owners and fostering economic development. These resources provide essential tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help entrepreneurs thrive.
Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Established in 2007, the Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation assists African-American entrepreneurs in launching, growing, and sustaining their businesses. The center offers one-on-one coaching in areas such as strategy, branding, access to capital, marketing, finance, procurement, and operations. Additionally, programs like nextONE—a nine-month business accelerator—are designed to help Black-owned businesses scale and grow. Learn more.
DishRoulette Kitchen
DishRoulette Kitchen provides free programs tailored to meet entrepreneurs where they are, offering capital access, technical assistance, and systems navigation. Their DRK Growth Program includes workshops, one-on-one consultations, and community building, focusing on business planning, financial modeling, licensing, and operational systems support. Discover more.
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s Breedlove Accelerator
The Breedlove Accelerator supports later-stage women entrepreneurs who are majority owners of their businesses, have at least two years of experience, and annual revenues of $100,000 or more. The program aims to provide adequate funding and support to help these entrepreneurs make a significant impact on their communities. Find out more.
University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Polsky Center offers a variety of programs and resources to support entrepreneurs, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC provides no-cost, one-on-one confidential business advice to pre-venture entrepreneurs and existing business owners, focusing on growth plans, marketing strategy, and financial reviews. Learn more.
Urban Array’s Running Start Entrepreneurship Training
Urban Array’s Running Start is a free bootcamp designed for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Chicago’s R3 Zones. The program covers nine training topics, from design thinking to business modeling, and offers ongoing mentorship, funding access, and community resources to graduates. Explore the program.
These organizations exemplify Chicago’s commitment to nurturing its entrepreneurial community. By leveraging these resources, local business owners can access the support needed to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute to the city’s economic vitality.