On a recent Saturday morning at the University of Chicago’s renowned Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, five teams of aspiring entrepreneurs from Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) pitched their business ideas to a panel of successful Chicago business leaders, hoping to secure seed funding for their ventures.
The judging panel featured an impressive lineup of business leaders: Cheryl Hartshorne, Senior Vice President of Redmane Technology LLC; Dr. Suhail Mohiuddin, Founder of Dentologie; Diane Primo, CEO of Purpose Brand; Quintin Primo, Chairman & CEO of Capri Investment Group; and James Valadez, CEO of Startup Rocket. These entrepreneurial leaders represent a combined net worth of more than $500 million, and they offered valuable feedback on how participants could improve their products, outlined next steps for growth, and awarded seed funding.
This exciting pitch day was the capstone event of BGCC’s StartUp LaunchPad™ program, an advanced initiative designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through hands-on learning, mentorship, and startup funding.
"As someone who is already thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, this is definitely a great way to get started," said Club member Boris. "It's open to anyone with any type of idea without any judgment. I definitely recommend it."
Following a successful pilot year in 2024, StartUp LaunchPad™ returned to offer local teens a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in practical business skills and entrepreneurship. Through a series of workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitch opportunities, Club members developed and refined their business ideas, transforming them into viable ventures.
A highlight of the program was the partnership with the Polsky Center, whose MBA candidates served as mentors, helping Club members refine their ideas, sharpen their pitches, and strengthen their entrepreneurial strategies. This collaboration ensured that BGCC’s young people received world-class guidance, preparing them to confidently present their ventures to Chicago's leading business minds.
“My favorite part about this program was getting a Polsky mentor," Club member M'Kenzie said. "[It was great] being able to bond with her while improving my presentation.”
In total, $14,500 in seed funding was awarded to support the next stage – launching their businesses. Seventy-five percent of each business's profits will go directly back to the youth as scholarship dollars, with the remainder supporting their Club.
“[StartUp LaunchPad] gives a lot of opportunities," Boris said. "Not a lot of kids get the chance to do something like this. You put your ideas into something big and try to make them come true.”
The journey doesn’t stop here – judges will meet with the teams in May to check on their progress and consider an additional round of funding to help their businesses grow.
Read more about their business ideas below, and watch this video to hear from our Club members on their experience with the program.
Dani's Divine Dishes
Dani’s Divine Dishes is a catering company specializing in delicious, soulful cuisine. Its deep commitment to sustainability and community impact sets this business apart. The team uses biodegradable packaging to reduce environmental harm and donates leftover food from events to support local communities in need.
Ghetto Tragedy
Ghetto Tragedy is more than a clothing line – it’s a story. Created by young entrepreneur Myles, this brand gives voice to individuals with backgrounds like his, using fashion as a platform for self-expression. A lifelong artist, Myles began turning his artwork into clothing and launched the Tactical Luxury Jacket, a multifunctional, all-weather utility jacket.
Lashay’s Studio
Lashay’s Studio is a vibrant dance facility offering high-quality instruction across various genres. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dancer, M’Kenzie and Ramone believe in the power of dance to uplift, heal, and inspire—especially when it comes to improving mental health and emotional well-being.
Power Tower
Power Tower is a secure, interactive phone charging station designed with a mission: to help younger generations step away from their screens and engage with the world around them. By keeping devices safe while charging, Power Tower encourages real-world connections and mindfulness—without the fear of losing your phone.
Star Designs
Star Designs is a tailoring and custom design business that gives old or damaged clothes a new lease on life. Customers can easily submit garments through a user-friendly online platform, where Star Designs restores or reimagines each piece to match their unique vision. By simplifying the tailoring process and breathing new life into beloved pieces, Star Designs makes sustainable fashion both accessible and personal for everyone.
Meet the Mentors
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