Polsky Alumni Win $1M Grants, Expand

Alumni of the Polsky Small Business Growth Program have secured grants and contracts exceeding $1 million and are opening new locations. The business owners shared these updates at a recent alumni celebration hosted at Hyde Park Labs, as reported by the Polsky Center.

“The progress these businesses are making reflects the hard work and persistence of the entrepreneurs behind them,” said Isra Omar, who leads the Small Business Growth Program. The event aimed to recognize their achievements and foster community among the owners.

Expanding locations and reaching new customers

Several food businesses are growing their physical presence. Kabob-It, founded by Maisha Oliver, opened a second location at the Illinois Institute of Technology in August. A third location is now under discussion.

Haire’s Gulf Shrimp operates three locations and is planning a fourth in Auburn Gresham. This expansion is backed by a $150,000 Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development Grant. Owner Aisha Murff is seeking more funding to cover the cost of acquiring the new space. Murff also received a Living Legacy Award on June 12 during the Taste of Greater Chatham event.

Nicole Jordan Catering is marking its 10th anniversary. The company now caters at venues including the Field Museum and the Chicago Architecture Center. Revenue has grown into the six-to-seven-figure range, and the business is working to secure additional catering opportunities across the University of Chicago, as detailed in our fixtures of local business events.

Securing capital, contracts, and new opportunities

Other alumni are using significant funding to build capacity. Front & Center Construction secured a $250,000 infrastructure grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It also won a new contract for full inspections at the Oak Park Housing Authority and is training contractors to meet the new demand, adding to the city's economic stats.

Enspyre has secured two separate $1 million grants. The company is completing a solar power project in Kankakee and is interested in federal-adjacent business opportunities connected to the University of Chicago.

Launching new products and business models

A national television appearance propelled Ms. Jetsetter's new luggage line. The collection launched on “CBS Mornings” and sold out, earning the company a return appearance. Ms. Jetsetter is now seeking retail channels beyond its current partners.

Qui Virtual Support Solutions is scaling its model after a successful virtual-assistant matching event achieved a 75% placement rate. The company is developing an AI-supported matching application.

Other businesses are boosting visibility through media. Strugglebeard Bakery was featured in a live demonstration on WGN and is partnering with XL Fest on events.

The Polsky Small Business Growth Program is funded by JPMorgan Chase. It supports businesses on Chicago’s South and West sides through a 30-week consulting engagement with graduate students. Participating businesses, forming a strong squad of entrepreneurs, can deploy up to $5,000 toward approved vendors to implement growth plans.