
Business & Startup Scene in Chicago, Illinois, United States
1. 1871
A technology and entrepreneurship incubator in Chicago, providing resources for startups.
- Resources Provided: Offers mentorship, workspace, and access to a vast network of entrepreneurs.
- Programs Offered: Hosts various workshops, training sessions, and events to help startups grow.
- Community Connection: Connects startups with potential investors and clients within the Chicago tech ecosystem.
2. Chicago Entrepreneurship Center (CEC)
A non-profit organization offering business education, resources, and support for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
- Diverse Support: Specifically focuses on helping women, minorities, and veterans launch and grow their businesses.
- Business Education: Offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and courses to teach essential business skills.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with mentors, peers, and potential investors.
3. Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
A university-based resource center offering resources and programs for student entrepreneurs.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides courses, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to help students launch their businesses.
- Startup Accelerator: Offers a startup accelerator program for student-led ventures with high growth potential.
- Collaborative Space: Provides shared workspace and resources to help student entrepreneurs collaborate and innovate.
4. World Business Chicago
A public-private partnership focused on promoting economic growth in Chicago.
- Business Attraction: Works to attract and retain businesses, as well as support job creation.
- Global Engagement: Connects Chicago's business community with international markets for growth opportunities.
- Infrastructure Development: Works to improve infrastructure and quality of life in the city, attracting businesses and talent.
5. Chicago Venture Summit
An annual event bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to connect and learn.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides ample opportunities for startups to connect with potential investors.
- Educational Sessions: Offers a variety of workshops and panels discussing industry trends and insights.
- Showcasing Startups: Allows startups to pitch their ideas and showcase their products or services to attendees.
6. 1871 Coworking Space
A coworking space within the 1871 incubator, offering flexible workspace solutions for startups.
- Flexible Workspace: Offers short-term and long-term workspace solutions to accommodate various startup needs.
- Community Access: Provides access to the larger 1871 community, including events, workshops, and resources.
- Growth Opportunities: Offers opportunities for startups to grow within the 1871 ecosystem, potentially securing funding and partnerships.
7. The Garage at Northwestern University
A student-led incubator offering resources for startups led by Northwestern students.
- Education and Resources: Offers workshops, mentorship, and access to resources to help startups succeed.
- Collaborative Environment: Provides a collaborative space for students to work together on their ventures.
- Entrepreneurial Network: Connects student entrepreneurs with potential mentors, investors, and clients.
8. Chicago Innovation Awards
An annual event celebrating Chicago's most innovative products, services, and businesses.
- Recognition: Provides recognition to innovative companies, encouraging continued growth and development.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects winners with potential investors, mentors, and industry peers.
- Inspiration: Serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of innovation in Chicago.
9. Chicago Innovation Exchange (CIE)
A collaborative workspace and startup accelerator focused on digital health startups.
- Specialized Focus: Offers resources specifically for digital health startups, including mentorship and funding opportunities.
- Collaborative Space: Provides a collaborative workspace to encourage innovation and collaboration within the digital health community.
- Startup Accelerator Program: Offers an accelerator program for selected startups, providing resources and guidance for growth.
10. Chicago Ideas Week
An annual event showcasing ideas, insights, and innovations in various fields, including business and entrepreneurship.
- Inspiration: Provides inspiration for attendees to think creatively and solve real-world problems.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects attendees with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
- Learning Opportunities: Offers workshops, panels, and discussions on various topics related to entrepreneurship.
11. VentureForge
A startup accelerator providing resources for early-stage tech companies.
- Early-Stage Focus: Specifically focuses on helping early-stage tech startups navigate the challenges of growth.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Offers mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, as well as guidance on business strategy and execution.
- Access to Resources: Provides access to resources such as workspace, funding, and legal support.
12. Chicago Tech Academy
A public high school focused on teaching technology and entrepreneurship skills to students.
- Hands-On Learning: Provides hands-on learning experiences, helping students develop practical tech and entrepreneurial skills.
- Real-World Connections: Connects students with industry professionals, startups, and businesses for internships and mentorship opportunities.
- Community Impact: Empowers students to make a positive impact on their community through technology and entrepreneurship.
13. Eureka! Ranch
A startup accelerator focused on helping early-stage companies in the agriculture and food technology sectors.
- Specialized Focus: Offers resources specifically for startups working in agriculture and food technology.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Provides mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, as well as guidance on business strategy and execution.
- Access to Resources: Offers access to resources such as workspace, funding, and agricultural facilities for product development and testing.
14. Chicago Innovation Mentors (CIM)
A program providing mentorship to startups in various industries.
- Industry-Specific Mentorship: Offers mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals within the startup's specific industry.
- Business Strategy Guidance: Provides guidance on business strategy, helping startups navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects startups with potential investors, mentors, and industry peers for continued growth.
15. Polsky Exchange
A virtual coworking space for Northwestern University students and alumni working on their startups.
- Flexible Workspace: Offers a flexible virtual workspace solution, allowing startups to work remotely while still accessing resources.
- Community Access: Provides access to the larger Polsky Center community, including events, workshops, and resources.
- Entrepreneurial Network: Connects student entrepreneurs with potential mentors, investors, and clients within the Northwestern alumni network.