The Fund for Equitable Business Growth
When everyone is contributing to and benefiting from our economy, our region will truly thrive. Supporting opportunities for more Chicagoans to own their own businesses is one important step toward that vision.
Though Black and Latine residents make up approximately 60 percent of Chicago’s population, they own just 13 percent of local businesses compared with up to 70 percent of local businesses owned by white residents. This disparity stems from historical and ongoing systemic barriers, including unequal access to capital, discriminatory lending practices, and limited business networks, which have led to a racial wealth gap that makes it harder for Black and Latine entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.
The mission of The Fund for Equitable Business Growth (FEBG) is to help underrepresented business owners in Chicago succeed by funding systems and support to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
We bring together resources and strategy to create long-term, lasting change.
Funding a network of organizations to support small business owners in bringing jobs, wealth, and economic growth to neighborhoods for a thriving region
Funding a network of organizations to support small business owners in bringing jobs, wealth, and economic growth to neighborhoods for a thriving region
Our goal is to continue to build, strengthen and fund a collaborative network of nonprofit organizations that support Black and Latine small business owners. These communities have less access than their counterparts to much needed business support and coaching resources, and can benefit through improved business models, access to capital, and other resources.
Working toward a more equitable business environment for future generations of entrepreneurs