the University of Chicago today announced the launch of UChicago Local, an initiative designed to support local businesses on the mid-South Side, providing the training and connections to help them work with the University and the University of Chicago Medicine.
UChicago Local will offer programs and tools for business owners and job seekers in neighborhoods around the University. The first phase focuses on local business support, including efforts to make local vendors a larger part of University and UChicago Medicine procurement. That includes an intensive business skills training course to help prepare firms to better compete for business with UChicago and other large institutions. The first training will begin this week, with 10 mid-South Side businesses participating.
Future phases will include directories, marketing materials, and forums for vendors who want to promote their businesses to the University, and to staff, students, and faculty as potential customers.
