Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship

08/25/2026

We'll be at BACP's final of 2026 this Saturday, August 29 from 8:30am to 1:30pm at Malcolm X College! Learn more about the Expo, and sign up to attend for free at Chicago.gov/BizExpo

To learn more about the Expos visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo

08/23/2026

We’re excited to announce this year’s semifinalists for the 13th Annual via the map below! Our semifinalists come from neighborhoods all across the — read below to learn who’s competing:

Stay tuned for Friday, September 4, 2026, when their video pitches go live on the South Side Pitch YouTube channel!

You’ll be able to vote for your favorite semifinalist by liking their video and writing out their neighborhood in the comments section below their video.

08/19/2026

Last Thursday, we had 36 attendees at second Pitch Perfect of the year! Almost all attendees received FREE professional headshots and nearly all of the attendees applied to ! Good luck to these applicants as they receive decisions this Friday.

A special thank to our coaches including Britney Robbins from The Gray Matter Experience, Trisha Beltran, Marquinn Gibson of 7323 Chicago Café, Aimee Navarro, CJ Harris from That's So Creative, and local business owner Eddie Guillen!

08/11/2026

This year, 165 local businesses applied to the 13th Annual South Side Pitch competition!

The 165 applicants come from neighborhoods all across the South Side — see below. Stay tuned for Friday, August 21st when the 25 semifinalists will be announced!

08/07/2026

Alderman Matt Martin has proposed an order, if adopted by City Council, will direct the Chicago's BACP to create a one-stop-shop portal to apply for or renew all licenses or permits, request inspections and find requirements, coordinate directly with Department liaisons, including the status of their permit or license applications, and etc.

You can read the full order through the Small Business Advocacy Council's blog linked below. If you're a small business owner or advocates, reach out to your Alderperson and encourage them to support and adopt this order!

Alderman Martin's recently introduced Order will be a game-changer for small businesses

08/06/2026

There are now less than 48 hours left to apply to South Side Pitch! If you're eligible, apply as soon as you can before Friday, August 7th at 11:59 PM CT -- click below to apply!

Learn more about former South Side Pitch finalists’ experiences and advice! Learn why you should apply from these finalists! Prizes With over $40,000 in prizes, […]

07/31/2026

After receiving many messages as the summer flies by, we’ve decided to extend the application deadline for the 13th South Side Pitch to Friday, August 7th at 11:59 PM!

Please apply as soon as you can before Friday, August 7th by going to southsidepitch.com!

TAG YOUR FAVORITE SOUTH SIDE BUSINESS TO APPLY NOW!

07/24/2026

Our billboards are up spotlighting 2024 South Side Pitch finalist 7323 Chicago Café in Beverly and Auburn Gresham! If you drive past one, snap a pic and tag us!

South Side Pitch is still open for applications till Monday August 3rd! Got a business idea and are on the South Side? This could be you next year.

APPLY NOW BY GOING TO southsidepitch.com!