Startup Leadership Program Chicago

SLP Chicago supports first time entrepreneurs as they traverse their entrepreneurial journey and increases their probability of success through education and community. SLP offers a six month, selective educational experience that helps early stage entrepreneurs learn the skills necessary to be successful startup CEO. Held at 1871, class speakers have included Square Planet’s Brian Burkhardt, Todd Wyder, Armando Pauker from Apex Ventures, AKTA, Booth School of Business Professors Craig Wortman and Mike Moyer, virality expert Emerson Spartz, guests from our sponsors and many local angel investors, including members of Hyde Park Angels.

Chicago SLP graduates include JiveHealth, TwoTara, Dermbids, Snapclass, Roommations, Cleveland Whiskey, PreScouter, GeoPollster, Found in Town, Motozuma, Furnishly, Gourmet Gorilla, FasPark and Human Practice.

In just two short years, the graduate companies have:
-Been accepted into the VW Accelerator
-Won Partnership for a Healthier America’s Obesity Challenge
-2013 Northwestern Venture Competition Winner
-Secured a national retail contract
-Doubled their business
-Moxie Award Finalist
-Topped $5M in revenue

SLP is a non-profit, never takes equity from participating companies, and has a one-time cost of $450 to cover food during the program. It is sponsored by Horwood Marcus & Berk and The NDH Group, with financial support from Braintree, SVB, David Hazan from Robert Half, The Horton Group. Applications for the program typically open in June and close in early August.

SLP Chicago is part of Startup Leadership, a global non-profit organization with programs offered in twenty cities in nine countries. SLP Fellows have founded 700 companies that have raised $370 million from the world's top angels, corporate and venture capital funds.