Kellogg Ascend Business Growth Program

The Kellogg School of Management is partnering with JPMorgan Chase to offer Kellogg ASCEND Business Growth, the in-person management education program being held Monday, Oct.25 at 4:30 PM to Friday, Oct. 29 at 12:00 PM. We will engage a select cohort of 15-18 minority-owned and other businesses that hire a significant percentage of employees from Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods. We seek firms with revenues of $500,000+ or 5+ employees, although smaller companies with high growth potential are considered. This partnership between Kellogg and JPMorgan Chase aligns management education, market access and capital access to grow businesses and jobs in low and moderate income (LMI) communities in Chicagoland, and develops a network that links business schools, market access organizations, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Chase small business banking. The program facilitates growth of businesses and is especially focused on the South and West sides of Chicago, ASCEND:

• Provides a live virtual executive management education program for primarily minority-owned businesses to enhance growth potential and increase hiring in under-resourced LMI neighborhoods in the Chicago area. Kellogg MBA students serve as resources for owners and help them learn more about issues in under-served communities, better preparing them to address these critical matters throughout their careers
• Facilitates preparation for market opportunities with organizations such as World Business Chicago, Chicago Urban League and the Minority Supplier Development Council
• Provides direct access to CDFIs, Chase and other funding opportunities

The partnership with JHLA links the Kellogg School with diverse business and nonprofit communities; helps businesses scale, retain and create jobs; stimulates innovative economic development; and expands student knowledge about how to address issues in LMI communities. This collaboration — Kellogg, James H. Lowry & Assoc., CDFIs, JPMChase and major enterprise will enhance economic development by increasing employment, which decreases violence and related issues in the targeted neighborhoods. Primary targets include communities such as Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Humboldt Park, South Lawndale, Washington Park and Woodlawn. Application Deadline Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis, so early registration is suggested; the deadline for fee payment is 10:00 AM on October 20. Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/3oh5DMU