Quinlan Addresses Inequality

Quinlan addresses local business inequality

THE QUINLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS has launched a project to address inequality in the local business community.

The U.S. Small Business Administration in April awarded Quinlan a $625,000 grant to strengthen Chicago’s women- and minority-owned businesses, starting with a pilot initiative in the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods surrounding Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.

“The Quinlan School of Business is dedicated to being a difference maker in Chicago,” said Dean Michael Behnam. “Through research, knowledge building, and our close partnerships with the local business community, we are helping to tackle inequality, one of the city’s most complex issues.”

The three-year project will collect data on equity gaps faced by minority-owned businesses and develop outreach strategies. The outreach seeks to reduce information gaps and build capacity in Chicago’s minority-owned business ecosystem.

140+

leaders from

50

businesses took part in the project’s “Capacity Building for Capacity Builders” workshop building connections and learning about common challenges, opportunities, and best practices.