Empowering Chicago’s Emerging Businesses

Today, we celebrate the latest cohort of small business owners graduating from World Business Chicago’s Chi Capital Accelerator program—a transformative 12-week financial boot camp designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to secure the capital needed for growth.

The Chi Capital Accelerator builds financial acumen and capability through hands-on financial literacy training, one-on-one technical support, and personalized solutions tailored to each business. Participants tackle real-world challenges, from cleaning up financial data to developing detailed forecasts, all in preparation for their capital pitch day—a capstone event that enables them to confidently present their business to potential funders.

The 2024 cohort consists of thriving businesses, each generating over $200,000 annually and poised for the next phase of their growth. Key program features include:

• Financial Literacy Curriculum: A robust curriculum designed to empower participants with the financial knowledge needed to make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth.
• Financial Analysis Support: Hands-on financial guidance and support from a team of MBA students, helping them to apply learnings from the curriculum directly to the business.
• Accounting and Tax Technical Support: Expert support in navigating tax complexities, ensuring compliance, and enhancing financial efficiency.
• Project Consulting: End-to-end support for business growth, including planning and research.

As the entrepreneurs approach their pitch day, the importance of being financially prepared cannot be overstated. Access to capital is just one part of the equation—readiness to manage and optimize that capital is key to long-term success.

“In today’s competitive market, securing capital is critical, but being prepared to manage it is equally essential. Programs like the Chi Capital Accelerator offer the tools to not only secure funding but also use it wisely. Building relationships with financial partners, maintaining clean financial data, and always thinking ahead will set you apart and propel your business forward.” — Johnny Wilbon, VP/Business Community Officer, Bank of America.

We are thrilled to celebrate the latest cohort of entrepreneurs who have completed the Chi Capital Accelerator program. These dynamic businesses represent a broad range of industries, and each has demonstrated an incredible commitment to their growth and financial success. 2024 Graduates include:

• Bronzeville Animal Clinic
• Chocolat- Uzma Sharif
• Discover Trove
• Haire’s Gulf Shrimp
• Infinity Consulting
• Interior Drama a Home Staging
• Kemit Academy
• Kikwetu Coffee Company
• Momentum Coffee
• The Print Lounge
• Taylor’s Tacos
• The Print Lounge

Each of these businesses has embraced the journey to financial literacy and readiness, working diligently over the past 12 weeks to prepare for the next stage of their business growth. From refining financial strategies to preparing for capital pitch day, these entrepreneurs are set to make a significant impact on Chicago’s economy.

We invite you to get to know a small sampling of the cohort class graduating today:

Kemit Academy: Providing early childhood daycare and therapeutic services for children with special developmental needs. Based in the South Side, Kemit Academy has become a vital resource for local families, delivering year-round care.

“The Chi Capital Accelerator gave my business a second wind. It has helped me bring long-held ideas to life and understand my numbers better, which is key to scaling.”

Momentum Coffee: With six locations across Chicago, Momentum Coffee is a mission-driven business focused on creating community, keeping jobs local, and providing quality food and beverages to under-resourced neighborhoods. Nikki Bravo

“Knowing your numbers is everything in business. Momentum Coffee is on a mission to strengthen communities, and this program helped us better understand how to communicate our vision to others.”

Taylor’s Tacos: A Chicago-based taco business founded by Taylor and Maya Mason, which has grown from catering to opening a retail taco shop in May 2023. The company is planning further expansion to make Taylor’s Tacos a household name. Taylor Mason

“Being a first-generation entrepreneur, there was so much I didn’t know about running a business. The Chi Capital Accelerator has been the single most impactful program I’ve been a part of.”

These incredible entrepreneurs represent the future of Chicago’s small business community. As they prepare for their capital pitch day, we look forward to seeing their continued success and the positive impact they will have on our city’s economy.