To Do: Start a business
Northeastern Illinois University's College of Business and Technology is pleased to introduce you to its Business Innovation & Growth Center. Our mission is to empower high-potential entrepreneurs to dream, create, and grow their businesses. The BIG Center aids start-ups and existing businesses to fuel their entrepreneurial growth. 

The BIG Center supports businesses from pre-launch to exit:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset, ideation, and proof of concept 
  • Growth with new product development, new markets, sales, and marketing channels with a focus on technology and digital marketing
  • Commercialization and financing 
  • Scaling of operations 
  • Non-organic growth such as vertical integration, acquisitions, and joint ventures

NEIU's BIG Center also paves a path for students, alumni, and the area's local start-ups into Chicago's entrepreneurship pipelines, educational programs, and mentoring.

Read more in our BIG Center Brochure.

BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS: Business planning course : Next cohort begins fall 2023

Thinking about starting your own business or nonprofit? With a plan, your start-up is more likely to succeed. In this 12-week, noncredit course, you will create your own pitch-ready business plan.

Check out the BIG Center video

Your course instructor will guide you through four main components with a focus on: researching your industry and competitors; developing your marketing and sales plan; devising your income statement for an ideal year; and preparing your pitch presentation.

With industry leaders who coach and mentor, you will have expertise at your fingertips and a newfound network among those who believe in our mission to empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

This is a great opportunity to shape your future and become your own boss!

Benefits of business planning at NEIU’s BIG Center:

  • Focus on financial forecasting and double your chances for success! 
  • Make profit-enhancing entrepreneurial pivots prior to launch and/or before scaling; 
  • Certificate of completion from NEIU’s AACSB-accredited College of Business and Technology (adds credibility when seeking financing);  
  • One-to-one coaching sessions with instructors and mentors between classes to work specifically on your entrepreneurial venture;
  • Be pitch-ready to attract financing including grants, loans, and equity investments.
  • Publicity opportunities: BIG Center entrepreneurs were featured in NEIU press releases, on CBS News, in AARP’s national monthly magazine, in Negocios Now, and in the BIG Center newsletter.
  • The training culminates with a Demo Pitch Night, to which family, friends, angel investors, local government officials, community leaders, and the press are invited;  
  • Review the course content for more details.

As BIG Center alumni:

  • After the successful completion of the business plan non-credit courses, NEIU’s BIG Center continues to work with you to find regular opportunities to feature you and your entrepreneurial venture in publicity and other marketing opportunities. 
  • Access to business evaluation and several 1:1 coaching sessions.
  • Opportunities to work with NEIU faculty and students on projects focused on the growth of your entrepreneurial ventures.
    • Student projects can include logo design, branding consultations, Pitch Night videos, and business highlight reels depending on the resources.

Before registering and paying, complete this intake form to ensure that this course will meet your needs.

Become part of the BIG Center Leadership

Interested in becoming an instructor, coach/mentor, or strategic advisor? Click on the role links to learn more and fill out the Leadership Interest form for follow-up.

LEADERSHIP INTEREST FORM

UPCOMING TrainingS and WORKSHOPS

BIG Ideas: Lessons from the Founder Speaker Series: Master Happiness
6:00 p.m. March 14
RSVP

N'Fluence Building a Personal Brand Course
9:00 a.m.-noon April 1-May 20
Register

BIG Ideas: Lessons from the Founder Speaker Series: Strategic Roadmap
Noon April 26
RSVP

NEIU Business Demo Night and Grand Opening at CCICS
6:00-9:00 p.m. May 4
RSVP

Become Your Own Boss: Business Planning for Course
New business ventures only.
Next cohort begins Fall 2023.
$300 for 12 weeks. In person at a University location. Review the course content and complete this intake form before payment to ensure that this course will meet your needs.

PAST Training and WORKSHOPS

BIG Ideas: Lessons from the Founder Speaker Series: FLY, a study buddy and tutoring app

Become Your Own Boss: Business Planning for Course
New business ventures only.
6:00-9:00 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 26-May 4, 2023

For more information, contact the BIG Center.
(773) 442-6105
big-center@neiu.edu