GROW MORE

GROW MORE is a new entrepreneurship program dedicated to the growth and resilience of established businesses in a specific geographic location. Funded by a State of Illinois' Economic Empowerment Center grant, the program is offered at no cost to accepted participants.

GROW MORE will be offered on alternating Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. running from June 24 - September 30, 2025 either in person at 7056 N. Clark St. or virtual via Zoom. Participants must attend all 8 sessions.

The cohort-based training program includes:

• 8 expert-led sessions over a 4 month period alternating in-person and virtual formats
• 1 Capital Access event
• Access to small business consultants
• No-cost 1-1 business advising 

The 2025 GROW MORE Cohort Dates:

• Tuesday, June 24 - In person
• Tuesday, July 1 - Virtual
• Tuesday, July 15 - In person
• Tuesday, July 29 - Virtual
• Tuesday, August 12 - In person
• Tuesday, August 26 - Virtual
• Tuesday, September 9 - In person
• Tuesday, September 16 - Virtual
• Tuesday, September 30 - In person

To become part of the cohort please fill out an application here.
We will review your application and contact you if we have any questions or need further information. If you have any questions, please email us at helpdesk@rpba.org.

The EEC Program was created in 2023 by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Equity and Economic Empowerment (OE3). EECs are designed to address the need for customized local, community and cultural support for socially and economically disadvantaged-owned enterprises (SEDI) and micro-enterprises (VSBs). Through this new program, an EEC will create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for marginalized communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach and customized training programs and initiatives.