The Chicago Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation helps Black entrepreneurs launch, grow, and sustain businesses. The Center provides entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to maximize revenues, reduce costs, increase profitability, and drive job creation while encouraging innovation. The Center also helps businesses obtain supplier diversity certifications, respond to bids on public and private contracts, and increase the number and average dollar value of contracts won.
Successful entrepreneurs of color are not only important to the Black community, but to the economic development of the entire City of Chicago. To ensure that Black entrepreneurs flourish, our center provides business owners at all stages with one on one coaching in core knowledge areas such as strategy, branding, access to capital, marketing, finance, procurement / supplier diversity and operations.
The Chicago Urban League Entrepreneurship Center has a first class faculty of coaches, volunteer subject matter experts, and organizations to provide you with superior counsel for your business.
You have an idea or a business under two years old
Foundations: the plan, the numbers, and the digital basics.
nextSTARTUP
An intensive, six-week, 12-session program that combines classroom training and one on one coaching to help startups develop viable business models. This program moves founders from idea to launch by teaching them fundamental startup principles.
Apply to nextSTARTUPchiurbanleaguecei.com
nextDIGITAL Free
A FREE 8-week training that helps entrepreneurs master key digital marketing concepts and gain a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape. The program covers essential tools and strategies to boost your online presence, plus the chance to network with other entrepreneurs and learn from industry experts.
Register for nextDIGITALnextdigitalclass.com
You are operating and ready for capital or contracts
Getting financed, getting bid ready, and getting a second set of eyes on the business.
nextDEAL
A 12-week program designed to develop teams of professional services firms to pursue large prime and 2nd tier contracts. Contractors receive support in individual preparation for teaming arrangements, in the development of contractor teams, and in identifying procurement opportunities to pursue.
Apply to nextDEALchiurbanleaguecei.com
Business Coaching
Personalized guidance and strategic support for aspiring and established entrepreneurs. Our experienced coaches help you navigate the challenges of business ownership, refine your strategies, and accelerate your path to success, whether you are launching a startup or scaling an existing business.
Schedule a coaching sessionbit.ly/CULBusinessCoaching
You are established and building toward the next level
Long form programs for owners with revenue, staff, and a growth plan.
nextLEVELEXCHANGE
A 12 month business mentoring program. Businesses are paired with industry experts to support their growth and scalability.
Apply to nextLEVELEXCHANGEchiurbanleaguecei.com
nextONE
Our 9-month program is especially designed to help Black-owned businesses scale and grow.
Wealth and Opportunity Summit
Since 2018, the Wealth and Opportunity Summit has created a unique event experience for African American entrepreneurs aged 21 to 45. As an entrepreneurship conference for the culture, we bring together Chicago’s top Millennial, Xennial, and seasoned business leaders each year for a day of learning, networking, and celebration.
