
Diverse Owners Program
The Diverse Owners Program is an “acquisitions accelerator” that funds entrepreneurs in the Southland seeking operational support to buy privately held companies.
The program represents a practical, applied guide that illuminates the process of forming an investment vehicle, raising capital, searching for a company, acquiring the company, managing that company, and ultimately selling it for a significant profit.
Key Dates
Applications open October 17, 2022
Applications close November 18, 2022
Cohort begins January 9, 2023
Cohort ends January 31, 2024
Program Goals
Train a community of acquisition and growth-oriented entrepreneurs
Increase the flow of capital to diverse businesses
Stimulate the acquisition and growth of businesses in the Southland
Fill critical need in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that plays to Southland strengths
Program Components
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Entrepreneurs will receive a stipend over the course of the program.
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Formal training and operational support to identify and negotiate business opportunities
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Hands on guidance from industry experts, connections to investors, and networking with a cohort of entrepreneurs
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Access to service providers to raise capital and close transactions
Industry Focus
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Clean Energy
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Technology
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Real Estate
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Metals, Machinery & Equipment
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Food, Beverage, Manufacturing & Packaging
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Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Eligibility
This program supports individuals who wish to acquire a company in the Southland.
Experience
Business owners seeking to acquire company for growth
Business managers who are seeking to apply expertise as an entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship/MBA graduates who are seeking a non-traditional career path
Ethnicity
Ethnically diverse individuals are eligible for this program.
Location
Individuals must be located within, or relocating to Southland- Chicago, IL.
Businesses located in the Southland or with offices in Southland- Chicago, IL
Application Process
1. Submit your Application
2. Interview
3. Selection
*Additional interviews or application steps may be added, as needed by Diverse Owners Program.