A free small business expo on Thursday in South Chicago will offer info sessions for business owners, professional headshots, networking and a chance to watch a pitch competition that will award $25,000 to one entrepreneur.
The second annual event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at South Chicago Salud Center at 3039 E. 91st St. It’s organized by the nonprofits Center for Changing Lives and Claretian Associates. About 100 people are expected to attend.
Info sessions will cover topics such as access to capital, AI for business, workers rights and legal issues for businesses. Fifth Third Bank will offer technical assistance support by appointment.
At noon, five South Side business owners will participate in TechRise’s pitch competition to win $25,000 in funding. TechRise, a program organized by the tech nonprofit P33, supports historically underrepresented founders in Chicago.
Pitch competition contestants include:
- Bridge View Brew, a tech-enabled café that aims to create a community hub when it opens this fall
- Luna’s Enlightenment, a spiritual boutique offering yoga, meditation, workshops and healing rituals
- BuenGro, a family-run flower and plant company in South Chicago leading urban beautification projects and workshops
- The Record Track, a former record store that’s now a music venue and space where anyone can learn, play and perform music through lessons, jam sessions and mentorship
- ABR Wealth Fund and The Altgeld Bitcoin Reserve, a community-run Bitcoin vault
Registration and more info can be found at the Center for Changing Lives website.
