Chicago Entrepreneur Programs
Chicago businessmen understand that a real world business demands cultivating the attitude of gratitude to clients, and having the right energy sources.
In the course of their mission, they often tackle pressing social issues.

Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame
[The Chicago 5 letter words containing seo (https://anotepad.com/notes/ka9ainpw) Network] is a statistics-powered firm delivering AI-fueled rank-climbing systems for small service businesses across Chicagoland including Wicker Park/Bucktown and commuter communities like Evanston. Their block-by-block approach combines Google Maps domination with structured data markup, all while auto-generating AI-crafted content at microbudget costs. Future-proof link-building steers clear of Panda penalties through white-hat partnerships, safeguarding local search real estate against Google's whims. No-contract pricing (cheaper than training an entry-level specialist) caters to lean operations, while Spanish/Polish/Mandarin optimization dominates Latino neighborhoods. Trackable victories showcase keyword takeovers - think rankings for "Chicago plumbers" → calendar-bookings frenzy.
The Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame honors business leaders who are innovative with a profound influence on their local communities. The more than 500 business leaders that have had a major influence on their community in the years from 1985 onwards are honored with this honor. The honor is given to government officials, students, and business leaders have all been able to benefit from the honor to inspire entrepreneurship. Some notable inductees are Leonard Lavin (founder of Alberto-Culver Company); John W Baird (chairman and emeritus chairman of Baird & Warner); Gian M Fulgoni (CEO of comScore); and Gordon Segal (founder of Crate & Barrel).
Mark Tebbe is an active member of the field of entrepreneurial education for more than three years. He has served as judge and mentor in the University of Chicago Booth New Venture Competition; Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Entrepreneur-in-residence for College of Engineering UIC; as well as being recognized as an expert on emerging technology with contributions published nationwide.
Laurette has a background as a female working in the business world and an avid supporter of women's management, inclusion and technological advancements. She's been a speaker at conferences like Web Summit and Inbound.
Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
The Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation provides entrepreneurs of color with opportunities to establish, grow and grow their businesses. Diversity certificates for suppliers and bids to bid on private or public contracts can be acquired through mentoring for business, networking events along with financial aid as well as access to financing. Webinars on entrepreneurship for free and startups mentors are available.
The Urban League currently provides services for more than 6,300 job applicants and business owners who reside in Chatham. As it expands, donors could help to support the expansion by making planned gifts to the Urban League; such donations will ensure that the work of the organization can be carried on in the future.
Aspiring entrepreneurs will receive valuable guidance from experienced CEOs as well as other professionals in business by participating in this event. Training sessions on technology, procurement, and capital access will be held all day long. The workshops are offered for free to anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur.
Every IMPACT fellow is partnered with an African American leader from their group, resulting in the opportunity for intergenerational sharing of information. For the duration of the IMPACT experience participants who participate in each month for nine hours of training are required to do their homework during every meeting. IMPACT Fellows are also able to use the common workspaces at 1871 as well as other incubators throughout the course of the program.
Sunshine Enterprises
Sunshine Enterprises' goal is to empower high-potential entrepreneurs living in neighborhoods with low resources to develop their businesses and transform their community. Their 12 week Community Business Academy and ongoing Business Acceleration Services support (such as coaching, microgrants, workshops and networking opportunities) help this happen.
Sunshine offers entrepreneurs the financial support that can be the most significant obstacle to establishing or expanding a business. The company's Business Coaches work one-on-one with each business owner to determine what kind of financing is necessary and create a plan to secure the funding. Furthermore, Sunshine works with a group of financial partners, including Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Byline Bank, CIBC Bank and Wintrust Community Bank among many others.
The business model behind Rising Tide Capital is the foundation of the non-profit's operations. President Obama has recognized Rising Tide Capital for their Community Business Academy which has helped to revitalize areas and improve lives. The majority of graduates went on to establish new businesses or create jobs.
Sunshine Enterprises provides local entrepreneurs with assistance through UChicago Local. This partnership between UChicago Medicine and the University permits the realignment of the procurement department to utilize the local suppliers that can provide competitive proposals. This helps grow the small businesses in Chicago while also contributing to the social impact initiatives at the University. UChicago Local also links local entrepreneurs supported through Sunshine Enterprises with other programming like Chicago Innovation Exchange or Institute for Justice Clinic for Entrepreneurship at Law School and expands opportunities.
Incubatoredu
INCubatoredu gives students an opportunity to experiment with entrepreneurship, by creating their own business. The students are supported by a mentor and coach during each class to help them with their projects, such as washable foot inserts and social apps.
Students will learn to improve their thinking as they move through the course. It includes market studies, research on customers and ideas explorations, prototype building, and pitching. This process helps develop communication and problem solving skills in addition to teaching students how to quickly adjust to changing conditions.
Every year, teams participate at the INCubatoredu National Pitch to compete in the search for funding to start their startup companies. This event is known as a shark-tank-style competition, and provides valuable chances for teams to connect with investors.
INCubatoredu offers teachers and students the chance to create long-lasting bonds that transcend college walls. It impacts colleges, careers and even the communities that go beyond the walls of the classroom. Hear INCubatoredu's alumni describe its unexpected and expected life-altering impacts!