
The Challenges of Access to Capital for Black Startups
The Funding Gap in Black Entrepreneurship Brilliant ideas and entrepreneurial spirit know no bounds—but for many Black startups, capital remains a stubborn barrier. While talent in Chicago and beyond abounds,

From Side Hustle to Empire: Inspiring Journeys from the Black Pages
Every Empire Starts Small Many of today’s business titans in Chicago began their empires not with heavy funding or high-profile investors, but with determination, creativity, and modest side hustles. A

From Solo to Supported: Andre’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Andre ran his IT consulting business solo, but he never felt truly alone. Early on, Andre struggled with isolation. He was the only person at his desk, juggling tech support

Rochelle’s Tutoring Business Inspires Chicago’s West Side
Rochelle started her tutoring business on the West Side, proud of her roots and determined to give back. Growing up, she saw firsthand how limited resources affected her classmates. That