Published on Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is welcoming a new cohort of entrepreneurs to the Polsky Exchange Small Business Financial Fundamentals program.
The 10-week program is designed to support business owners who are actively seeking bank loans or alternative forms of financing, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to refine financial reporting, build financial projections, deepen their understanding of access to capital, and make more informed strategic decisions.
“Access to capital is one of the most persistent challenges facing small businesses, particularly on Chicago’s South and West Sides,” said Abigail Ingram, executive director, Polsky Exchange. “Through Small Business Financial Fundamentals, we help these founders translate their operations into clear, lender-ready financial stories that support long-term growth and attract investors.”
The program is offered at no cost to participants thanks to funding by Bank of America, and runs in partnership with the South East Chicago Commission, LISC, and PNC Bank.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but many owners don’t have access to the financial tools and relationships that lenders expect,” said Rita Cook, president, Bank of America Chicago. “By supporting this program, we’re helping entrepreneurs strengthen their financial confidence, prepare essential documentation, and gain the knowledge they need to secure capital and grow their businesses.”
Participants engage in a hands-on, cohort-based experience that combines classroom instruction with individualized financial support. Through training developed and delivered by Polsky staff, MBA students, a professional fractional CFO, and financial partners, business owners strengthen their financial management skills while working closely with dedicated MBA student teams to analyze past performance, improve financial reporting, and build projections aligned with their growth and capital goals.
By the end of the program, each participant produces a lender-ready package of financial and business materials, including a clear assessment of financial health, projected financial statements, and an analysis of future cash and debt needs.
Participants also receive access to mentorship, programming, and resources across the Polsky Center ecosystem.
The Small Business Financial Fundamentals cohort includes:
The Small Business Financial Fundamentals Program is part of the broader Capital College initiative, led by the Women’s Business Development Center and funded by the Chicago Community Trust, that creates a roadmap of programming appropriate for Chicago businesses as they grow and capital needs change.