- About
- …
- About
- About
- …
- About
Expert guidance, training, & support
Business Training programs are designed to minimize risk and maximize business launch success while providing access to an exclusive micro-loan fund post-completion for individuals who live in and start their businesses in designated communities primarily on the West Side of Chicago. Since its inception in 2012, this program has served more than 500 businesses.
Resources to support your business growth at every level
One on one Advising
No-cost advising for local business owners in critical areas like operations, business feasibility, technology assistance, manufacturing, access to capital, marketing, sales, business plan development, certification, procurement, finance, and strategy.
Business Training
Training and programs are structured to help West Side businesses from start-up through growth phases.
Workshops + Events
We offer a variety of workshops and opportunities in a host of areas like accounting, legal structure, taxes, manufacturing, technology, social media, and business planning. Workshops are generally led by professionals working in the topic area of focus.
Business Start-Up
Designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business, have experience informally running a business, and owners of existing businesses less than five years old.
Cohort Training
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM FOR EARLY STAGE BUSINESSES
whoto 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 entrepreneurship training program is for serious entrepreneurs who:
- Have identified the area of business they want to pursue.
- Currently operate an informal business now seeking to become licensed and legally structured.
- Have been in business for less than five years seeking to expand or standardize their operations.
- Will commit to starting or expanding their business within 6 months of program completion.
- Will develop a plan to create new jobs in the community where their business is located.
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:
- Applicants will designate in their application whether they are a start-up business (one year or less) or an emerging business (more than one year to 5 years old). Businesses that have been registered for more than 5 years old will not be eligible to participate
- Primary consideration will be given to applicants that intend to start or expand for-profit businesses, while secondary consideration will be reserved for entities that may operate on a not-for-profit model.
- Primary consideration will be given to Chicago west side residents that also have businesses or specific plans to locate their business office within the designated communities of Austin, Humboldt Park, West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park, North Lawndale, and South Lawndale.
- Home address and/or intended business location will be one of these ten zip codes: 60608, 60612, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60639, 60644, 60647, 60651, and 60707. Secondary consideration may be given to those from other nearby geographic locations or businesses that have the potential to positively impact a low to moderate-income community.
- Have a valid driver’s license or state identification
- Proof of current address of the above ID or recent utility bill
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
- Attend and participate in 80% of in-person class sessions
- Must present final business case presentation
- Submit final business plan within established guidelines with financial projections
- Meet with the instructor(s) at least three times for individual business counseling sessions within 90 days of enrollment.
- Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of completion
Click here to apply for Business Start-Up Training.
EXPECTATIONS UPON SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION
- Personal mentoring from a business leader for 6 months.
- Eligible to apply for Entrepreneurial Access to Capital Loan
- Become members of the alumni network entering into a larger entrepreneurial support network in addition to continual access to West Side Forward resources, workshops, and Neighborhood Business Development Center guidance.
Business reMIX
Do you need structured help rethinking your business idea and strategy? Business ReMix is a 4-week training that allows you access to a business coach, tools, and resources to re-examine your business, and the current business climate and help you identify key adjustments required to succeed in this new economy.
Business Foundations
Forget what you thought you knew about starting a business. Whether you’ve already got a business going or you’re interested in starting one, let’s start fresh to make sure your business has a solid foundation to grow and make money.
Business Xcelerator
Develop strategic growth strategy through market intelligence, smart operating systems, and capital sourcing.
Business Start-Up Self-Paced Training
Get Started When You're Ready
HOW THE SELF-PACED TRAINING PROGRAM WORKS
- Complete a minimum of 6 training sessions listed below within 12 month calendar year.
- Submit proof of participation in each training within 48 hours of attendance.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of business counseling within 6 months.
- Submit 3-5 minute business pitch
EXPECTATIONS UPON SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION
- Receive a certificate of completion.
- Eligible to apply for Entrepreneurial Access to Capital Loan.
BST SELF PACED TRAINING
Not sure if this is the right program for you? We'll get in touch.
- Get Connected With Business Start-Up
West Side Forward © 2019-2023