The South East Chicago Commission will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community partners for a timely conversation on how women can access more of Chicago’s economic opportunity.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, SECC will host the Women in Business Power Hour Lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Study at the University of Chicago, located at 1227 E. 60th Street. The event will feature networking, a catered lunch, and a panel discussion focused on connecting women’s advancement to some of the city’s most important economic engines.
The program, “Connecting Women’s Advancement to Chicago’s Economic Engines,” will highlight practical ways women-led businesses and professionals can grow through public funding, innovation, entrepreneurship resources, and Chicago’s expanding visitor economy.
The discussion will be moderated by Kimberly Jones, Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement at Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
Panelists include:
- Abigail Ingram, Executive Director of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago
- Roz Stuttley, Vice President of Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement at Choose Chicago
- Hannah Jones, Director of the Chicago Recovery Plan in the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
Together, the panelists will offer insight into three major pathways for business growth: accessing public capital and city funding opportunities, using innovation and data to scale, and positioning businesses to benefit from Chicago’s more than 50 million annual visitors.
For small business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and professionals working across Chicago’s South Side, the Power Hour Lunch is designed to be more than a discussion. Attendees can expect direct information on funding, permitting, ownership pathways, tourism markets, and connections to programs and partners that can support long-term growth.
Networking and lunch will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the panel discussion at 11:30 a.m. Additional time to connect with speakers and attendees will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The Women in Business Power Hour Lunch also serves as a lead-in to SECC’s annual regional economic development event, Anchored for Impact | Future Proof, scheduled for October 9, 2026.
For event information, visit SECC’s Small Business Connection Series or register to reserve your seat.
