Published on Thursday, August 22, 2024
At a ceremony at the Polski Exchange, mentors, sponsors and participants gathered to celebrate the completion of the program, which expanded from 10 weeks to nine months this year.
The Polsky Small Business Growth Program began in 2017 as a way to support the growth and success of businesses on Chicago’s South and West Sides. Since then, the program has grown to become one of the city’s premier entrepreneurship programs, graduating well-known companies such as Brown Sugar Bakery, Chocolate Uzma, Eventnoire, and more.
Through this program, University of Chicago students provide hands-on consulting experience to these companies, helping them address key business challenges and identify new strategies for business growth. Teams are mentored by senior executives, Chicago Booth faculty, and local business leaders who serve as coaches. The Polsky Center also works with external partner organizations to find ways to provide additional opportunities, funding, training, and other comprehensive services.
During the graduation ceremony, participants reflected on their time in the program, highlighting the impact the program had on their businesses and calling attention to the mentors and students who helped them.
“Joining the Small Business Growth Program was a no-brainer for us, as we always try to expose ourselves to opportunities to learn and grow,” said Jeremy Jones, co-founder of Sundrip. “The program is different because it not only gives you the resources to learn what you need to do and the space to explore it with fellow founders, but it also gives you the resources to implement the things you discover. I highly recommend the program and encourage everyone to apply.”
“My experience with the Polsky Center and the program has been transformational for my business,” said Takara Hammons, Founder and CEO of Renee Ramor Hair Care. “The Small Business Growth Program has provided me with invaluable resources and insights that have helped me refine my business strategy and effectively scale it.”
“The guidance I received from my business advisor was instrumental in shaping my approach to growth. Her expertise and genuine interest in my success was evident in every meeting,” Hammons continued. “In addition, the support from the program director and dedicated graduate students made a huge difference. They were not only knowledgeable, but also committed to understanding the unique challenges my business faced and helping me find customized solutions. The Polsky Center is a hub of innovation and support, providing entrepreneurs like myself with the tools and network needed to succeed. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program, and I highly recommend it to any entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level.”
“Participating in the Small Business Growth Program was a transformative experience for my business,” said Nikki Bravo, owner of Momentum Coffee. “What made this program special was the combination of specialized coaching from people who genuinely care about my success, along with the financial support provided to bring my business plan to life. The guidance was personal and insightful, and the funding enabled me to implement strategies that would otherwise have been out of reach. This program not only provided advice, but also provided me with the resources to make tangible progress. The difference it has made to my business has been remarkable, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
The program, funded by JPMorgan Chase, provides valuable business assistance and opportunities to minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses on Chicago’s South and West Sides. Financial support from sponsors allows the Polsky Center to provide these resources to businesses that might otherwise be overlooked.
“At JPMorgan Chase, we are proud to support diverse businesses and connect entrepreneurs to an ecosystem of resources because we believe diversity drives innovation and economic growth,” said Felicia Manley, Program Officer, JPMorgan Chase. “Chicago’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.”
The 2024 Small Business Growth Program package includes:
Learn more about the Small Business Growth Program and other programs and workshops offered at Polsky Exchange here.
