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. Our training programs include:
NextSTARTUP
The nextSTARTUP program is 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. Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays evenings.
NextDEAL
The nextDEAL program is a 12-week program designed to develop teams of professional services firms to pursue large prime and 2nd tier contracts. Contractors will receive support in individual preparation for teaming arrangements, in the development of contractor teams, and in identifying procurement opportunities to pursue. Class meets on Tuesday evenings.
NextDIGITAL
NextDIGITAL is 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 online presence and grow their businesses effectively. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and gain insights from industry experts. For more info please visit nextdigitalclass.com
NextLEVELEXCHANGE
The nextLEVELEXCHANGEN is a 12 month business mentoring program. Businesses are paired with industry experts to support their growth and scalability.
NextONE
Our 9-month program is especially designed to help Black-owned businesses scale and grow. Learn more.
Business Coaching
The Chicago Urban League’s business coaching program offers personalized guidance and strategic support to 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’re launching a startup or scaling an existing business, we’re here to empower your entrepreneurial journey.
To schedule a one-on-one business coaching session at the Chicago Urban League, please visit this link: bit.ly/CULBusinessCoaching
WOKE Entrepreneur Summit
Since 2018, the WOKE Entrepreneurship Summit has created a unique event experience for African American entrepreneurs aged 21-45. 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. Learn more.
