Empower Your Startup with Founder-focused Resources
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Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Flagship innovation hub inviting tech startups into coworking, programming and acceleration resources in downtown Chicago.
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
A coalition coordinating business-support orgs in Chicago to help diverse entrepreneurs access tailored services and grants.
Built In Chicago
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Chicago Quantum Exchange
Tech community hub offering news, hiring, and networking for startups — useful for founders looking to scale and gain visibility.
Chicago Quantum Exchange
Chicago Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Chicago Quantum Exchange
Unites leading researchers, institutions, and industry partners to advance quantum science, technology, and innovation—positioning Chicago as a global hub for the quantum economy.
Chicago Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Chicago Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Chicago Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Supports Black entrepreneurs in Chicago via coaching, supplier diversity and access to contracts and capital.
The Coleman Foundation – Entrepreneurship
Chicago Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Chicago Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Grant-making and ecosystem-building foundation focused on accelerating entrepreneurship across the greater Chicago region.
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
University-hub linking students and local startup community offering mentoring, innovation training and launch support.
EdTech Institute of Chicago
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
Connects educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore how technology transforms learning—building a vibrant community advancing education through collaboration, innovation, and impactful digital solutions.
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Chicago
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
Founders Network – Chicago Startup Community
Peer-to-peer network for business owners (>$1M revenue) offering forums, mentorship and community to growth-stage founders.
Founders Network – Chicago Startup Community
Founders Network – Chicago Startup Community
Founders Network – Chicago Startup Community
Global founder community with Chicago chapter offering peer mentorship, pitch practice and investor access for tech founders.
Future Founders
Founders Network – Chicago Startup Community
Future Founders
Nonprofit fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and youth founder development across Chicago through programs, mentorship, and community.
mHUB Chicago (Hardtech Innovation Center)
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
Innovation centre for hardware/product startups offering prototyping labs, accelerator program and investor connectivity.
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
University-based resource including accelerators and venture support translating research into startups; applicable for founder teams.
Startup Founder 101 (Meetup)
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
Startup Founder 101 (Meetup)
Meetup forum of aspiring & experienced startup founders in Chicago for networking, collaboration and fundamental startup discussion.
Startup Grind Chicago
The Everboss – Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community
Startup Founder 101 (Meetup)
Monthly events and programming bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem players in Chicago tech.
TechRise Powered by P33
The Everboss – Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community
The Everboss – Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community
TechRise by P33 is a Chicago initiative and pitch competition platform that supports underrepresented founders with funding, mentorship, and community to help launch, grow, and scale their startups.
The Everboss – Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community
The Everboss – Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community
The Everboss – Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community
Monthly mastermind for women entrepreneurs in Chicago focused on strategy, connection and business acceleration.
The Garage @ Northwestern — Jumpstart Pre-Accelerator
The Garage @ Northwestern — Jumpstart Pre-Accelerator
The Garage @ Northwestern — Jumpstart Pre-Accelerator
Student/founder pre-accelerator program at Northwestern helping founder teams build business skills and early traction.
Chicago Ecosystem Consolidated
Chicago Tech Scene Navigator 🧭
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
The Chicago Tech Scene Navigator is a living guide designed to help founders find their way in Chicago. This guide makes it easier for early-stage founders to tap into the right tools, networks, and opportunities across the city.
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
Curated directory of tech incubators/accelerators in Chicago — useful tool for founders mapping ecosystem options.
Early Funding Resource Guide
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
Early Funding Resource Guide
A curated guide to Chicago’s early-stage funding ecosystem—featuring angels, accelerators, and programs designed to help first-time founders navigate the earliest stages of raising venture capital.
