Student Resources

Students pursuing interests in entrepreneurship, private equity, and venture capital at Chicago Booth have a variety of resources available to them, whether they are seeking a network of contacts, starting a business, obtaining financial support, receiving career guidance, or connecting with like-minded entrepreneurial students.

Entrepreneurial Student Groups

Full-Time, Evening, and Weekend MBA students at Chicago Booth interested in entrepreneurial careers can join several student groups, which provide valuable leadership experience and networking contacts through conferences, guest lectures, social events, company visits, and more.

Financial Resources

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers a number of financial resources for students interested in entrepreneurship during their time at Chicago Booth. These financial resources include awards and scholarships, like the Herman Family Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship and the Canfield Private Equity Fellowship, competition prizes that serve as seed money for new ventures, and funding for internships.

ARCH Venture Partners New Business Incubator

Winners and finalists of the Edward L. Kaplan, '71, New Venture Challenge business plan competition can develop their emerging companies in the ARCH Venture Partners New Business Incubator, housed within the Polsky Center. This space, generously supported by ARCH Venture Partners, provides students with essential office support and faculty guidance.

Career Guidance

In addition to guidance provided by Career Services, entrepreneurship faculty members provide both curriculum and career advice. In addition, these faculty members provide access to the Chicago Booth network to help entrepreneurial students find business mentors and job opportunities.

View a workshop* on negotiating a compensation package at entrepreneurial firms by Ellen Rudnick, '73, clinical professor of entrepreneurship and Polsky Center executive director, and Ira Weiss, MBA '99, PhD '01, clinical associate professor of accounting.

*Chicago Booth log-in required.

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation expanded mentorship and coaching to the University of Chicago community in fall 2012 through its Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program. Three successful Chicago-based entrepreneurs are available to meet with students, alumni, and faculty throughout the academic year. We also host regular small group sessions over breakfast and lunch. Contact Tom Ancona for more information.

To set up meetings with the EIRs, please visit their O-Hours webpages:

Brian Coe brings biological sciences/healthcare expertise
Mark Tebbe is focused on technology
Chris McGowan has many years of experience in the private equity industry

Mentorship Opportunities

One of our most significant resources is our group of accomplished alumni who have expertise in a wide range of industries and functions. In order to enrich the educational experience of University of Chicago students and help them advance in their entrepreneurial careers, we weave mentorship into each of our major programs, matching seasoned alumni with budding entrepreneurs. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get paired with a mentor to help with your entrepreneurial path, please contact Hannah Williams.

General Program Information

For more information on entrepreneruship, new venture creation, private equity, and other programming at UChicago, check out the following resources:

Useful Entrepreneurial Links

There's so much going on outside the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the area of entrepreneurship that we've compiled a list of helpful entrepreneurial resources.

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