For this month's Alumni Accolades we are featuring Airian McDuffy. Through our Community Business Academy and Food Incubator program, she was able to build a strong foundation for her business, Soul Ramen Chicago. Now set to open a new location in Bronzeville, Airian's restaurant combines Afro-inspired flavors with Japanese ramen, creating a vibrant dining experience that celebrates culture and community.
Read MoreMeet Rodney Gipson, a Chicago-based musician, producer, and entrepreneur who’s transforming creativity into thriving businesses. From running his own music label to blending jazz with visual art, Rodney’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. Discover how Sunshine Enterprises and his unwavering vision helped him transform his creativity into a symphony of success!
Read MoreAudacity 2024 was a night to remember, celebrating Chicago’s rising entrepreneurs with a vibrant pop-up market featuring 22 alumni businesses and inspiring alumni panelists sharing their journeys. Guests enjoyed delicious food catered by alumni chefs, all while networking and supporting Sunshine Enterprises’ mission to empower underserved communities. Relive the highlights and see how our entrepreneurs are making a lasting impact!
Read MoreThis month we are talking about gratitude. Incorporating gratitude into your business strategy can have far-reaching benefits, As we enter this month of thanks, consider how small acts of appreciation can make a big difference. Embracing gratitude as a core value not only makes your business more resilient but also makes it a positive force within the community.
Read MoreFor this month’s Staff Spotlight, we are featuring CBA Instructor Brandon Evans - one of our awesome Community Business academy instructors who strives to create a positive and inclusive environment for his cohort students.
Read MoreJust named one of Chicago Eater's "Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago," Lynn's Chicago Pizza is making it's mark in the Woodlawn community. This month we are featuring it's owner Lynn Humphreys who not only recently graduated from our Community Business Academy but also took part in our spring food-based business workshops.
Read MoreOctober is a great time for rising entrepreneurs to embrace creativity and connect with customers. Whether it’s hosting an engaging costume contest, launching limited-edition Fall products, or transforming your store with a spooky Halloween vibe, there are endless ways to make the most of this bewitching month! The key is to have fun, be genuine, and make your customers feel part of something special.
Read MoreSeptember is a key month for entrepreneurs in Chicagoland. The back-to-school energy offers the perfect chance to revamp productivity and realign your goals for the remainder of the year. By leveraging Parkinson’s Law of productivity—explained in this article—you can achieve more in less time.
Read MoreThis month we are highlighting alum Karen Roberts who recently participated in our "Taste of Sunshine" event. Karen’s journey with Sunshine Enterprises is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and networking.
Read MoreOur inaugural "Taste of Sunshine" food festival was a spectacular celebration of Chicago's diverse culinary scene, thanks to the incredible support and participation of our Community Business Academy alumni, Sunshine staff and partners.
Read MoreFor this month’s Staff Spotlight, we are featuring CBA Instructor Coral Lahiani - an accomplished and versatile professional with extensive experience in business development, operations management, and event coordination. Coral loves humor and laughter so when approaching a serious CBA subject like personal budgeting she always finds relatable and humorous scenarios to work from.
Read MoreAs we cheer on the athletes of the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris, let's also celebrate the entrepreneurial champions right here in Chicago whose relentless pursuit of their dreams embodies the same spirit of determination and achievement.
Read MoreThis month we are highlighting alum Karla Yatckoske who not only provides Spanish language support but also offers other educational tutoring services targeting both adult learners and youth. She employs a unique approach to learning Spanish through a virtual immersive experience.
Read MoreToday is the first full day of summer so it’s a perfect time to present a “Summer Reading List for Entrepreneurs.” This book suggestion list offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that can help aspiring entrepreneurs refine their vision, overcome challenges, and build successful businesses. So, grab a book, find a comfortable spot, and let this summer be a season of learning and growth for your entrepreneurial journey.
Read MoreThis month we are focusing the spotlight on Holly Jackson - one of our business coaches here at Sunshine Enterprises. Holly is not only a CBA Alum, she is also a Site Monitor!
Read MoreFor our June Alumni Accolades, we are featuring sisters and CBA alums Jamie Marshall and Olivia Hatch who have been in business for almost three years now. Together they founded the Love U Collective, an aromatherapy skincare line.
Read MoreThat’s a wrap! Our 2024 Pitch Competition was a great success… find out more about our top three winners and see their winning pitches.
Read MoreFor May’s “Alumni Accolades,” we feature K. Carlton - an accomplished Event Producer, Travel Curator, and Wedding Planner with over 15 years of industry expertise. She recently joined forces with her Sunshine Enterprises coach Nicole Jordan!
Read MoreThis month’s hot topic is a quick read about PERSONAL BRANDING. A personal brand is more than just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool for making your mark in the market and connecting with your target audience on a deeper level.
Read MoreSimilar to the popular TV show Shark Tank, we will be hosting our very own Pitch Competition for our entrepreneurs! Today we are thrilled to announce the 10 lucky finalists….
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