Business Start-Up Training
Training for early stage businesses
Entrepreneurial training program and resources to support individuals in launching business operations, becoming licensed and legally structured.
Winter 2023 Application Cycle
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM FOR EARLY STAGE BUSINESSES
Business Training cohorts are 10-week immersive business training programs comprised of specialized workshops, training, and resources facilitated in conjunction with the Neighborhood Business Center at West Side Forward.
This cohort will meet from February - March 2023 in a hybrid format on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. In-person sessions will be at the West Side Forward Campus.
Key Dates:
This entrepreneurship training program is for serious entrepreneurs who:
This program is geared toward for-profit enterprises and entrepreneurs who want to start a new business, owners of informally run businesses who want to become licensed and legally structured, and owners of existing businesses less than five years old that want to expand or standardize their business operations. Entrepreneurs selected for these programs participate in a series of highly specialized sessions on business plans, marketing, financing, accounting, risk management, legal issues, and more, followed by a year of personal mentoring from a business leader.
Special consideration is given to applicants that reside or seek to operate their business on the West Side of Chicago, and have businesses in the manufacturing industry.
APPLICATION
Applications are accepted electronically only.
The application process includes:
• Proof of Chicago residency
• Submit a 2-minute introduction video
• Introductory Business Case Video presentation
ELIGBILTY
To enroll, applicants must meet a specific set of criteria. The criteria outlined below are the starting point for screening, but West Side Forward reserves the right to adjust these criteria as we determine the demand and capacity of the students to meet these criteria.
They are as follows:
BUSINESS CASE PRESENTATION
Selected applicants will be required to present their business idea in a series of presentations for our Make Your Case panels. During the presentation, you will be expected to present your business idea and make your case for why your business is viable or posed for growth, and explain how your participation in the class will help your business reach that next level.
WHAT TO EXPECT IF ACCEPTED
Click here to apply for Business Start-Up Training.
EXPECTATIONS UPON SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION
Ready to Apply?
West Side Forward © 2019-2023