Native of Caracas, Venezuela. Of an entrepreneurial family. From fish jerky to market research for the “big fish.” Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) Director at WBDC. Our expert on tariffs and international trade. Meet Soraya Herna...

Illinois Native. Peace Corp volunteer. Local economic development worker. Leading small business philanthropy in Chicago and guiding grantmaking in Indiana and Wisconsin for JPMorganChase. Meet Phylicia Manley, a Power Partner.

Long Island native. Grantor. Grantee. Leader of the Fund for Equitable Business Growth. A collaborator helping to grow more small businesses in Chicago. Meet Adam Engle, a Power Partner.

Originally from Finland. Entrepreneurship professor at DePaul University in Chicago. A researcher and educator on self-employment, disabilities entrepreneurship, women in business. Meet Maija Renko, a Power Partner.Maija Renko, Co...

An American Dream childhood in a West Pullman community. A Baby Boomer with early days in computers and real estate. Now helping people in the construction trades build things, build themselves up, build their community. Meet Cyndi Stewart, a P...

From Saint Agatha’s to Saint Sabina’s. Learned the IT business at IBM. Leveraged her experience to own a consultancy.  Using technology for greater visibility to client challenges and opportunities. Making change happen on 79th Street.&nbs...

Life within a 3-mile radius on the Northwest Side. Getting every small business online. Building trust by listening and being present. Making ScaleUp and Plan For Profit work in Belmont Cragin. Meet Jessica Vazquez, a Power Partner.

Came to Chicago from Mexico City. Got a gentle push to learn a new language. Did so while running her restaurant.  An awning leads to a new dawn.  Now serves education to entrepreneurs.  Meet Erika Gonzalez, a Power Partner.

From a wart to Wartburg College. Started a high school. Started a farmers’ market. Started an entrepreneurship program. Not someone you can stop. Meet Sheree Moratto, a Power Partner.

Raised by entrepreneurs.  Always wanting to learn.  All about liquor (licensing, that is).  Expanding Minority Business Access.  Meet Kathryn Jackson, a Power Partner.

Papaya juice on the doorstep.  Why you might say “no” to Goldman Sachs.  Running restaurants and bars.  Immersed in the world of Bronzeville entrepreneurship.  Meet Lauren Amos, a Power Partner.