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The BIG Center supports businesses from pre-launch to exit:

• Entrepreneurial mindset, ideation, and proof of concept
• Growth with new product development, new markets, sales, and marketing channels with a focus on technology and digital marketing
• Commercialization and financing
• Scaling of operations
• Non-organic growth such as vertical integration, acquisitions, and joint ventures
• Paves a path for students, alumni, and the area's local start-ups into Chicago's entrepreneurship pipelines, educational programs, and mentoring

Read more in our BIG Center Brochure.

Co-working at the BIG Center at Bronzeville

The BIG Center at Bronzeville now offers several spaces where you can develop and grow your business including a shared co-working space for 15-20 participants, a private hybrid conference room for four members, a full room presentation/training space for 15-20 participants, as well as various configurations for custom event needs. See our spaces catalog.

The Center has amenities including technology for hybrid business experiences, a business-class printer, on-site staff and security, high-speed Wi-Fi, cleaning services, snacks, and drinks.

Become Your Own Boss: Business planning course

Thinking about starting your own business or non-profit? With a plan, your start-up or small business is more likely to succeed. In this 12-week, non-credit course, you will create your own pitch-ready business plan.

Your course instructor will guide you through four main components: researching your industry and competitors, developing your marketing and sales plan, devising your financial statements, and preparing your pitch presentation. With industry leaders who coach and mentor, you will have expertise at your fingertips and a newfound network among those who believe in our mission to empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

Benefits of business planning at NEIU’s BIG Center:

• Focus on financial forecasting and double your chances for success! 
• Make profit-enhancing entrepreneurial pivots before launch and/or before scaling; 
• Certificate of completion from NEIU’s AACSB-accredited College of Business and Technology (adds credibility when seeking financing);  
• One-to-one coaching sessions with instructors and mentors between classes to work specifically on your entrepreneurial venture;
• Be pitch-ready to attract financing, including grants, loans, and equity investments;
• Publicity opportunities: BIG Center entrepreneurs were featured in NEIU press releases, on , in AARP’s national monthly magazine, in Negocios Now, and in the BIG Center newsletter;
• The training culminates with a demo The BIG Pitch Night, to which family, friends, angel investors, local government officials, community leaders, and the press are invited;  
• Review the course content for more details.

As BIG Center alumni:

• After completing the business plan non-credit course, NEIU’s BIG Center continues working with you to find regular opportunities to feature you and your entrepreneurial venture in publicity and other marketing opportunities. 
• Access to business evaluation and several 1:1 coaching sessions.
• Opportunities to work with NEIU faculty and students on projects focused on the growth of your entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Depending on the resources, student projects can include logo design, branding consultations, Pitch Night videos, and business highlight reels.

Become part of the BIG Center leadership

Interested in becoming an instructor, coach/mentor, or strategic advisor? Click on the role links to learn more and fill out the Leadership Interest form for follow-up.

Upcoming Training and Workshops

Become Your Own Boss (BYOB): Business Planning Course

BYOB course is hybrid and begins February 6, 2025. This course is designed for new business ventures only. The course cost is $300 for 12 weeks of coursework, monthly meals and The BIG Pitch event and reception. 

Review the course content and complete this before making payment to ensure that this course will meet your needs.

• This cohort will meet on Thursdays from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Carruthers Center, 700 E. Oakwood Ave., in person or virtually via Zoom. The course runs from Feb. 6-May 15.

• The class has a remote option for the first two weeks of each module and is required in person on the last week, except for the last module which has two required in-person meetings. There are four modules. For the required in-person classes, dinner will be served.

• During the remote optional days, we will open the Center for you, and the class will be live-streamed. The instructor may be present in person or instructing remotely.

Small Business Consulting

Students play an important role in advising community business owners on a variety of topics including growing their business, improving sales and marketing, increasing revenues, improving operations, and more. Students address key business challenges and determine new strategies for growth opportunities. Consulting services are paid by the business and can be built into a semester-long internship credit opportunity.

Consulting topics can include:

• Operations Planning
• Competitive Market Analysis
• Financial Planning and Accounting
• IT Solutions
• Marketing and Branding Strategies
• Business Plan

Class Lab Projects

Students can simulate and solve your biggest barriers and create informative insights for your business through class lab projects. The faculty can review your class lab project and select it as part of the course curriculum. Projects need to be submitted by Oct. 10 for the spring semester, May 10 for the summer semester, and July 10 for the fall semester. 

Some examples include:

• AI character development for a voice-over actor
• Perceptual mapping for a positive streetwear brand
• Logo design for the BIG Center

Student benefits:

• Identify the challenges faced by a small business related to growth opportunities
• Work with an entrepreneur/business owner who is making an impact on the local community
• Build their portfolio with paid projects, or an internship experience.
• Get access to coaches and mentors who have experience building and growing small businesses
• Connect with the broader campus community

Teams are supervised by the CBT BIG Center Executive Director, a CBT faculty member, and/or local business leaders who serve as coaches to the students. 

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Past Training and Workshops

• BIG Ideas: Lessons from the Founder Speaker Series: 
• BIG Ideas: Lessons from the Founder Speaker Series: 
• BIG Ideas: Lessons from the Founder Speaker Series: 
• Spring 2023 The
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2024
• Fall 2024 The BIG Pitch - Coming soon!

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Partners

Check out the resources available through membership or affiliation with these organizations, including training, networking, webinars, loan programs, etc.

Sponsors
                

For more information, contact the BIG Center.
(773) 442-6105
big-center@neiu.edu