🛠️ A CALL FOR BOLD BUILDERS 🛠️
If you’re a founder based in Chicago or the Midwest, building something bold and want more visibility, support, or momentum, we’d love to feature you.
No fees. No fluff. View our founder feature class HERE.
CHICAGO ECOSYSTEM CONSOLIDATED
Chicago Tech Scene Navigator 🧭
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.
ChiStartup Hub
Chicago Startup Hub connects founders, investors, and innovators through events, resources, and community stories—making Chicago’s startup ecosystem more visible, accessible, and collaborative for everyone building what’s next.
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.
GoTech Chicago – Resource Directory
GoTech Chicago is a curated directory of tech incubators/accelerators in Chicago — useful tool for founders mapping ecosystem options.
FOUNDER-FOCUSED RESOURCE ORGS
1871
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)
A coalition coordinating business-support orgs in Chicago to help diverse entrepreneurs access tailored services and grants.
Built In Chicago
Tech community hub offering news, hiring, and networking for startups — useful for founders looking to scale and gain visibility.
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
Supports Black entrepreneurs in Chicago via coaching, supplier diversity and access to contracts and capital.
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (DePaul University)
University-hub linking students and local startup community offering mentoring, innovation training and launch support.
EdTech Institute of Chicago
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
Peer-to-peer network for business owners (>$1M revenue) offering forums, mentorship and community to growth-stage founders.
Founders Network – Chicago Startup Community
Global founder community with Chicago chapter offering peer mentorship, pitch practice and investor access for tech founders.
Future Founders
Future Founders
Nonprofit fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and youth founder development across Chicago through programs, mentorship, and community.
Illinois Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology
The Illinois DCEO supports founders by providing funding, training, technical assistance, and statewide programs that help new and growing businesses launch, scale, hire, and access vital economic resources.
mHUB Chicago (Hardtech Innovation Center)
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)
University-based resource including accelerators and venture support translating research into startups; applicable for founder teams.
Startup Grind Chicago
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago)
Monthly events and programming bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem players in Chicago tech.
TechRise Powered by P33
TechRise Powered by P33
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 Coleman Foundation
Grant-making and ecosystem-building foundation focused on accelerating entrepreneurship across the greater Chicago region.
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
Student/founder pre-accelerator program at Northwestern helping founder teams build business skills and early traction.
Women’s Business Development Center
WBDC empowers women-owned and diverse businesses through coaching, certification, capital access, and workshops—accelerating growth and leadership within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
