Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship

06/15/2026

APPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH SIDE PITCH 2026 ARE NOW OPEN!

Applications will be accepted until August 3, 2026! This incredible contest leads to a thrilling shark-tank-style event, where finalists get to pitch their businesses in front of a city-wide audience and a distinguished panel of judges to win prizes totaling over $40,000!

LEARN MORE AND APPLY VIA THE LINLEARN MORE AND APPLY VIA THE LINK BELOW!

Questions? Contact us by email at [email protected]

Learn more about former South Side Pitch finalists’ experiences and advice! Learn why you should apply from these finalists! Prizes With over $38,000 in prizes, […]

06/12/2026

Chicago small business owners and entrepreneurs, join us for our signature workshop, PITCH PERFECT, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the University of Chicago Law School!

PITCH PERFECT is a workshop welcome to all Chicago entrepreneurs to help refine their business pitches with feedback from volunteer coaches and participants. Top pitches will win $50 to $100 gift cards! Food, refreshments, free parking, and a free professional headshot provided.

RSVP via the link below!

Please submit the form below to register for Pitch Perfect with the IJ Clinic on Wednesday, July 8 2026!

06/02/2026

🌱🥬 Illinois gardeners — you're protected to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits, and edible plants on your own property. No city, village, or municipality can legally ban it.

A village in Illinois is ordering a woman to destroy her garden — which is a direct violation of that law and is taking on the fight!

If you or someone you know has been told to remove a vegetable garden, that order may be illegal under Illinois law. Spread the word!

ARLINGTON, Va.—Laura Schaefer knows the difference between a w**d and a desirable plant. A botany instructor with decades of experience, Laura has spent more than five years […]

05/20/2026

IT'S OFFICIAL — HB 3460 has passed the Illinois Senate!

This is a huge win for aspiring barbers and beauty professionals to have the choice to take apprenticeships while in school and expand workforce development in Illinois. We couldn't be more proud of everyone including our legislative sponsors who helped make it happen. 🙌

Governor JB Pritzker — we know you love apprenticeships. Let's do a bill signing this summer!

05/19/2026

From the kitchen to the diamond — we love to see local small businesses like Cozy Noodles 'n Rice make the first pitch at the Cubs game for AAPI Heritage Night! 🍜⚾

05/18/2026

We believe in building up the people who build this city!

That's why we're promoting That's So Creative for Ignite Chicago — a free half-day intensive for Chicago small business owners and nonprofit leaders who are ready to grow!

Next Friday, May 29 | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 3636 S. Iron St.

Go for the workshops! Stay for the connections. Leave with an action plan that's actually yours.

Spots are free but limited — RSVP at thatssocreative.com/ignitechicago!

05/05/2026

Happy ! Stay tuned for posts featuring some of our favorite small businesses and resources :)

Happy 🎉

This week, we celebrate the more than 36 million small businesses across America that power the nation’s economy. Share to spread word!

Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

05/01/2026

Show your support for HB 3460 by submitting a witness slip to help aspiring barbers and beauty professionals secure the option to have paid apprenticeships while in school! A hearing is scheduled for HB 3460 on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026.

👉 Submit your witness slip for HB 3460 using the link below!

Together, we can pave the way for more opportunities in Illinois!

Welcome to the Official government website of the Illinois General Assembly

04/30/2026

If you're an Illinois resident that receives SNAP benefits, update your information before TOMORROW FRIDAY, MAY 1ST via the links below!

Check your eligibility and update info here: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN or call: 1-800-843-6154

If you need help meeting the new requirements, the state also has a website, https://serve.illinois.gov/, that offers SNAP recipients volunteer opportunities.

About 120,000 people statewide are expected to lose SNAP food support starting in May because of President Donald Trump’s expanded work and volunteer rules.

04/29/2026

HB 3460, a pathway to paid apprenticeships for aspiring barbers and cosmetologists, is headed to the Illinois Senate to be considered law!

HB 3460 gives REAL opportunities: paid apprenticeships in local shops, fewer barriers to entry for justice-involved and lower-income people, mentoring, and more.

Hear from aspiring barbers below, call your senator to sponsor HB 3460, share this post, and spread the word!

Find out how to make your call here and make HB 3460 The Law by going to ijclinic.org/apprenticeship!