Community & Global Initiatives

Global Entrepreneurial Immersion Initiative

The Polsky Center launched the Entrepreneurial Immersion Initiative in 2007 to develop educational programs that will allow GSB alumni, students, and faculty to build understanding, communication, and partnerships across the globe. Following the success of the inaugural immersion trip to China, the Polsky Center travels to India from October 19-25, 2008 for an exclusive, unforgettable journey through one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Midwest Alternative Energy Venture Forum

Together with a number of partnering organizations, the Polsky Center sponsors the Midwest Alternative Energy Venture Forum (MAEVF), which brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and others interested in green technology, to learn about some of the most exciting developments within the renewable technology sector. The second annual conference will be held November 6, 2008.

Collegiate Scholars Program

The Collegiate Scholars Program is a three-year enrichment program offered by the University of Chicago to prepare talented Chicago Public School students for academic success. Waverly Deutsch, clinical professor of entrepreneurship, teaches Elements of Entrepreneurship, where CPS students get real-world exposure to starting a business. Watch a short documentary about the entrepreneurship course from 2007, which was made possible through a generous grant from the Goldman Sachs Foundation.

Donald W. Hamer, '58, Small Business Initiative

In 2004, Donald W. Hamer, '58, provided a generous grant to the Polsky Center to develop educational programs that target regional small businesses and add value to the local economy and GSB community. The Hamer Small Business Initiative allows the center to develop educational programsto help address the challenges faced by small business owners, including sponsoring conferences and workshops, subsidizing student internships, conducting small business research, and building networks across the community.

Hyde Park Angels

Founded in 2006 by a group of XP students, Hyde Park Angels (HPA) provides a forum for entrepreneurial-minded members to invest in seed and early-stage businesses, primarily located in the Midwest. HPA partnered with the Polsky Center in 2007 to assist in the execution of its mission. Members include current and former executives, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists, who meet quarterly to formally consider start-ups that have been screened by the selection committee, and also provide domain expertise, strategic advice, and coaching to its companies. HPA also offers the opportunity for GSB students to intern as associates and gain valuable venture capital experience.