Celebrating the Graduation of Entrepreneurs from the Small Business Growth Program

September 10, 2025 - 17:15

Last month at the Polsky Exchange, mentors, sponsors, and participants gathered to celebrate the graduation of the latest cohort of the Small Business Growth Program (SBG). Over the course of nine months, entrepreneurs collaborated closely with University of Chicago graduate students, Booth faculty, and local business coaches to refine their strategies, enhance their business models, and develop actionable plans for growth.

The SBG program is designed to equip small business owners with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Participants engaged in intensive workshops, received personalized feedback, and built valuable networks that will support their businesses in the long term.

The graduation ceremony highlighted the achievements of ten small businesses that have shown remarkable progress and innovation throughout the program. Each entrepreneur shared their journey, showcasing how the insights gained have positively impacted their operations. As they embark on the next phase of their business ventures, the support from the Polsky Center community remains a crucial part of their ongoing success.