Not every business needs angel investors or venture capital.  If you’re looking for resources to grow and scale your business without selling a piece of your business, check out these resources. 

Black and Brown Founders Provides culturally-relevant information about bootstrapping through online education and events. 

Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council Certifying as a Minority Owned Business (MBE) can bring new customer and big contracts.  Learn about the process and certify here. 

Junto Institute Provides professional development to founders and leaders of bootstrapped companies & owners of small businesses

Sunshine Enterprises  A 12-week course offering hands-on training in business planning and business management.

Ureeka A single platform where Next Wave entrepreneurs have access to the people, programs and connections they need to grow.

YWCA Side Hustle Saturday A one-day workshop offered monthly at locations across our YWCA Metropolitan Chicago footprint that helps attendees learn the steps needed to transform their “side hustle” or hobby into a real business.

Check out these amazing resources to help you go from in your head to hello world. 

Founder Institute  A list of 721 resources including legal support, banking, trainings, educational resources and inspirational events for idea stage founders.

IMBLACKINTECH Chicago-based ImBlackInTech is a global membership organization that supports, celebrates and educates our membership base of Black and Latinx founders and professionals, which spans 40+ states and 16 countries.

You’ve got an MVP (minimum viable product) and now you need help with go-to market strategies and everything else.  Check out these resources for startups ready to go to the next level.

Fast Track by First Round Capital for 90 days of structured mentorship

Polsky on Demand an online portal that provides access to some of Polsky’s world-class business and entrepreneurship educational workshops for free.

Ureeka A single platform where Next Wave entrepreneurs have access to the people, programs and connections they need to grow.

Got an MVP (minimum viable product) and now you need to get customers.  Check out these resources for startups ready to go to the next level.

Founders Network Based in Silicon Valley, Founders Network is a mentorship program that gives Chicago Founders access to new resources which facilitate founder growth.

Polsky on Demand an online portal that provides access to some of Polsky’s world-class business and entrepreneurship educational workshops for free.

You’re well on your way to product market fit.  Now you just need fuel for the fire. Check out these resources for growth. 

Even experienced founders need support.  Check out these resources to take you to scale and beyond.