Chicago’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant, with numerous organizations dedicated to supporting small business owners and fostering economic development. These programs provide essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help entrepreneurs thrive.
Chicago Urban League’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
The Chicago Urban League’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation assists Black entrepreneurs in launching, growing, and sustaining their businesses. The center offers tools to maximize revenues, reduce costs, and drive job creation. Services include one-on-one coaching in areas such as strategy, branding, access to capital, marketing, finance, procurement, and operations. Additionally, the center aids businesses in obtaining supplier diversity certifications and responding to bids on public and private contracts. Learn more
DishRoulette Kitchen
Established in 2020, DishRoulette Kitchen is a small business development center focused on addressing economic inequality by empowering entrepreneurs in historically under-resourced communities. The organization offers strategic consulting, funding, and educational resources. Their programs are designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, providing capital access, technical assistance, and systems navigation at no cost. Discover their programs
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 running their business, and have annual revenues of $100,000 or more. The program aims to provide adequate funding and support to help these entrepreneurs have a catalytic impact on their communities. Find out more
Urban Array’s Running Start Entrepreneurship Training
Urban Array offers the Running Start Entrepreneurship Training, a free bootcamp designed for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Chicago’s R3 Zones. The program covers nine training topics, including design thinking and business modeling, to help participants launch their businesses and transform their communities. Graduates gain access to funding, mentorship, and community resources. Apply now
University of Chicago’s Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation
The Rustandy Center provides social entrepreneurship programs, connections, funding, and resources that social startups need to succeed. Part of the University of Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the center helps students and faculty connect research with practice and go from idea to impact. Explore their offerings
DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center
The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center hosts year-round events, programs, and workshops that connect students, alumni, and Chicago entrepreneurs. Their mentorship program matches participants with experts to improve their businesses and expand their networks. Additionally, the center offers an internship program providing students with opportunities to work closely with founders on specific projects at entrepreneurial ventures. Learn more
These organizations play a crucial role in supporting Chicago’s entrepreneurs, offering the resources and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. By leveraging these programs, local entrepreneurs can contribute to the city’s economic vitality and drive innovation across various industries.