Economic Opportunity and Entrepreneurship

We leverage UChicago’s role as the largest private employer and purchaser of goods and services on the South Side to foster entrepreneurship and create economic opportunities for community residents and local small businesses.

We work to provide South Side residents a clear path to employment opportunities at the University, UChicago Medicine, and our vendor networks, as well as opportunities to grow and advance.  

We are committed to helping local small business owners and entrepreneurs by offering intensive programs paired with student consulting support, as well as through workshops and mentoring led by industry experts.

Through investments in local businesses and residents, we are contributing to the South Side’s prosperity and building broad, enduring partnerships with our neighbors.

News

04/05/2024

Harris School of Public Policy announces Policy Innovation Challenge's winning student-led pension proposal

The group of graduate students came together to propose a workable solution to Chicago's burgeoning pension liability.

04/02/2024

Gov. Pritzker celebrates quantum technology leadership with The Bloch Tech Hub

"Illinois is already a global competitor in the quantum sector, and we want to ensure that we have the workforce and talent to engage in our unprecedented progress and innovation," said Governor JB Pritzker.

03/19/2024

Tequila Cooper-Shabazz (center) with Qui Solutions’ “Leadership Circle.”

Small Business Spotlight: Qui Solutions unlocks the potential behind BIPOC and woman-owned businesses

TeQuila Cooper-Shabazz was introduced to the Polsky Center in 2022 after learning about the Small Business Growth Program. After learning how it helps small businesses scale, she applied to be a part of it and was accepted into the program.

Profiles

13th Flow Fitness Studio

Akinwale is the owner of 13th Flow fitness studio, one of 182 small businesses to receive a COVID-19 small business bridge grant from the University of Chicago.

Brown Sugar Bakery

Greater Grand Crossing’s Stephanie Hart is reimagining the way she operates her popular bakery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic with help from a University of Chicago bridge grant.

More profiles