In a ceremony at the Polsky 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 started in 2017 as a way to support the growth and success of businesses on Chicago’s South and West sides. Since then it has grown into one of the leading programs for entrepreneurs in the city, graduating well known businesses such as Brown Sugar Bakery, Chocolat 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 determine new strategies for business growth. Teams are supervised under the direction of senior-level executives, Chicago Booth faculty members, and local business leaders who serve as coaches. The Polsky Center also works with outside partner organizations to find ways to provide additional opportunities, financing, coaching, and other wrap-around services.

During the graduation ceremony, participants reflected on their time in the program, highlighting the impact it made on their businesses and bringing 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, cofounder of Sundrip. “The program is different because not only do you get resources to learn about what you should be doing and the space to explore it with fellow founders, but you also get the resources to implement the things unearthed. I highly recommend the program and encourage everyone to apply.”

“My experience with the Polsky Center and the program has been nothing short of transformative for my business,” said Tacara Hammons, founder and CEO of Renee Ramore Hair Care. “The Small Business Growth Program provided me with invaluable resources and insights that helped me refine my business strategy and scale effectively.”

“The guidance I received from my business advisor was instrumental in shaping my approach to growth. Her expertise and genuine interest in my success were evident in every meeting,” Hammons continued. “Additionally, the support from the program director and the dedicated graduate students made a significant difference. They were not only knowledgeable but also committed to understanding my business’s unique challenges and helping me find tailored solutions. The Polsky Center is a hub of innovation and support, offering entrepreneurs like myself the tools and network needed to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be 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, Momentum Coffee. “What set this program apart was the combination of expert coaching from people who genuinely cared about my success along with the financial support provided to bring my project plan to life. The guidance was personalized and insightful, and the funding enabled me to execute strategies that otherwise would have been out of reach. This program didn’t just offer advice; it gave me the resources to make meaningful progress. The difference it made for my business has been remarkable, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.”

Funded by JPMorganChase, the program offers valuable business assistance and opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses in Chicago’s South and West sides. The financial support from sponsors allows the Polsky Center to provide these resources to businesses that may otherwise be overlooked.

“At JPMorganChase, we are proud to support diverse businesses and connect entrepreneurs to an ecosystem of resources because we believe that diversity drives innovation and economic growth,” said Phylicia Manley, program officer at JPMorganChase. “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 thrive.”

The 2024 Small Business Growth Program cohort includes:

## AI legalese decoder can help with the situation

AI legalese decoder can help businesses in the Polsky Small Business Growth Program by simplifying and translating complex legal language into plain English. This tool can assist entrepreneurs in understanding legal documents, agreements, and contracts, ensuring they are fully informed and can make educated decisions. By offering a user-friendly interface and accurate translations, AI legalese decoder can empower program participants to navigate legal matters more effectively and confidently, ultimately contributing to their business growth and success.

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link