• Technical assistance, education, & equipment access

    Business Innovation Technology (BIT) programs assist founders in LMI markets explore innovative ideas for incorporating manufacturing and technology into their businesses. BIT participants gain access to an immersive network of best-in-class industry experts.

  • Grow Your Business with a hard tech product.

    MEC Spring 2024 Session

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    West Side Forward concluded the 2nd Manufacturing Excellence Cohort (MEC) in partnership with mHUB in September 2024.

     

    The MEC program was funded through the Chicago Community Trust Catalyze Initiative to support black founders from underserved communities in pursuit of their hard tech manufacturing solutions. Over six months, the cohort was immersed in Chicago's world-class innovation ecosystem, providing more than $10,000 in cash, products, and services.

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    Technology Entrepreneurship Cohort - TEC

    3-month cohort program to support the creation of application-based businesses.

     

    Virtually leveraging a combination of a self-paced digital curriculum, real-time SME guest speakers, and experiential engagement opportunities this program supports aspiring tech entrepreneurs in app development and go-to-market strategies.

     

     

    Manufacturing Excellence Cohort - MEC

    6-month cohort program to support existing scale-ready businesses to launch a hard tech.

    Immersive experience includes mentorship, personal development, CEO financial education, entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, founder stipends, and aid to obtain the business license requirements for operation in the state of Illinois/City of Chicago.

    Technology Innovation -  TI  

    Introductory workshops and technical assistance for individuals exploring enhanced technology applications in their business models.

  • STAGES OF INNOVATION PROGRAM

    Which stage are you in?

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    Through guided in-person classes, virtual sessions, and intensive individualized coaching, participants are supported through every stage of concept execution, from ideation to product launch.

  • SIGN-UP FOR BIT PROGRAM NOTIFICATIONS

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