#United States #Chicago #Boys & Girls Clubs #StartUp LaunchPad

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Launches StartUp LaunchPad™ Program

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) has officially kicked off the second round of its innovative StartUp LaunchPad™ program, aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Chicago. Spanning from February 1 to May 31, 2025, this initiative offers an incredible opportunity for participants to delve into the world of entrepreneurship, enabling them to create, plan, test, pitch, and ultimately launch their first startups within their communities.

A Unique Opportunity for Local Teens

Following a successful inaugural session, the StartUp LaunchPad™ program returns to equip local teens with essential business skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. Through a series of engaging workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitch opportunities, Club members are encouraged to develop and refine their business concepts. This immersive program not only provides educational insights but also facilitates real-world applications. Notably, participants will receive guidance from accomplished entrepreneurs in Chicago and students from the prestigious University of Chicago Booth School of Business's MBA program.

Pitch Event Kicking Off Round Two

The excitement begins with a unique pitch event where young innovators present their startup ideas to top entrepreneurs in Chicago. These youth will compete for funding aimed at bringing their concepts into life in local test markets. The inaugural year saw over $20,000 awarded to five innovative teams, and this year promises more opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. After the mid-season funding phase, the startup teams will engage in building, marketing, and selling their products or services, culminating in a celebratory event to share their successes at the end of May.

“Through this initiative, we are not only breaking barriers but also opening doors to success for individuals who may have previously lacked access to mentorship and resources,” noted Marco De La Rosa, Chief Program Officer at BGCC. “What differentiates this program is its commitment to representation and inclusivity, alongside the real-world funding it provides.”

Mentorship from the Best

In 2025, BGCC members will collaborate with MBA candidates from the renowned Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, ensuring participants receive world-class mentoring to enhance their business proposals and pitching skills. Paul Cavalieri, Senior Associate Director at the Polsky Center, stated, “Through StartUp Launchpad™, we’re giving our student entrepreneurs a chance to apply what they have learned while gaining new insights from Chicago's talented youth.”

The first year of StartUp LaunchPad™ welcomed various entrepreneurial leaders who are once again returning for Round Two, contributing their invaluable expertise. Esteemed figures include Dr. Suhail Mohiuddin, Diane Primo, Quintin Primo, and James Valadez. Collectively, this group possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the business world, launching many successful ventures that can empower the next generation.

A Partner in Youth Empowerment

StartUp LaunchPad™ is proudly associated with Uncharted Learning™, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial skills among young people. The mission is to equip a diverse array of youth with necessary knowledge, mentorship, and funding, enabling them to emerge as future business leaders. The positive effects of the StartUp LaunchPad™ showcase BGCC’s commitment to preparing young entrepreneurs for tomorrow's business landscape.

Those interested in joining this transformative program can visit their nearest BGCC location to become a member. As the city of Chicago continues to flourish with creative and innovative ideas from its youth, programs like StartUp LaunchPad™ are vital in shaping a promising future for the local economy and its communities. For further details about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, check out their website at bgcc.org.