Each year, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chicago grows stronger thanks to organizations committed to expanding opportunity. We’re proud to share that Future Founders has been named a grantee partner in the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation’s second round of grantmaking.
The Foundation supports organizations working across three core areas: entrepreneurs, veterans, and strong families, all focused on creating pathways to long-term economic mobility across the Chicagoland region. For Future Founders, this investment strengthens our ability to support young entrepreneurs at critical stages of their journey – from early ideas to building real, scalable companies. Support from the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation is helping us to invest more in our hometown and offer growing opportunities for underestimated youth in Chicago.
“Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to expand opportunity. When young people have access to the right mentorship, community, and support, they don’t just start companies, they build futures for themselves and others,” said Scott Issen, President & CEO of Future Founders. “We’re grateful to the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation for investing in the next generation of students and founders across Chicago.”
Through programs like Be Your Own Boss, Apprenticeship, Startup Bootcamp, Fellowship, and our growing alumni network, Future Founders equips young people with the mentorship, resources, and community they need to build lasting businesses. We’ve served over 50,000 youth to date and our alumni community includes founders who have collectively generated $433M+ in revenue, raised $320M+ in capital, and created 2,400+ jobs.
This work is only possible through partners who believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities.
“The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation is pleased to support Future Founders in its mission to empower youth to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Paul Sznewajs, Executive Director. “The Foundation is proud to invest in tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.”
We’re honored to be part of this cohort of organizations working to strengthen opportunities across the region and grateful to the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation for their partnership. As Chicago’s next generation of entrepreneurs continues to emerge, investments like this help ensure that talent, not access, determines who gets the chance to build.
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