Thanks to those of you who joined us during TechChicago Week!

Hello TechRise Community,

We'd like to send an enormous THANK YOU to those of you who joined and/or hosted events during TechChicago Week: Big Bets. As you can tell from the graphic below, this was our largest TCW yet, thanks in part to the strength of this network!

The fun doesn't stop there! More Capital, Networks, and Knowledge below...

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Capital Check out additional funding opportunities on the Founder's Resource Hub!

Founders' Box is a company-building accelerator designed to help early-stage AI founders tell their startup’s story with clarity and conviction. Accepted founders receive receive a $150K investment, 1:1 mentorship from elite journalists, weekly masterclasses with VCs/operators/editors, media coaching, warm intros to enterprise buyers and investors, and exclusive dinners/Demo Day events. Apply TODAY 8/8.

The Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator invests in up to five high-growth startups per cohort, regardless of HQ location, industry or business model. Each selected company receives a $100K investment and participates in a 12-week, concierge-style program focused on mentorship and growth. Powered by gener8tor, this program connects founders with a robust network of experienced mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists to help scale their businesses. Apply by 8/10.

CoCreate Pitch is the world’s leading product-driven startup competition — where bold entrepreneurs pitch their vision, connect with top global manufacturers and investors. Two grand champions, one from each CoCreate event, will each receive a financial award valued at $200,000 (50% cash, 50% Alibaba.com sourcing credits). 20 winners will be awarded up to $40,000 each under the same terms. The competition spans 2-4 months, with submissions evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and market potential. Apply by 8/15.

This competition welcomes founders from all stages and sectors building disruptive technologies in massive markets. While not strictly required, we strongly encourage founders to have an open equity financing round during DI to fully leverage investor connections and maximize the value of the event. There’s no cost for founders to attend Distilled Intelligence. We cover your hotel, all meals, and on-site transport—just get yourself to Dulles Airport. Fortify Ventures is awarding $1 million in prize money for companies who choose to participate in DI's pitch competition, structured as investments through modified SAFEs. Apply by 8/15.

Rooted In Growth, a national grant initiative presented by amika in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, created to nurture and fund the next generation of professional hair care founders. This program offers a powerful mix of capital, brand visibility, and strategic support to help emerging leaders in beauty grow on their own terms. Four hair care businesses will be selected to receive: $50,000 in flexible grant funding , Access to founder-focused mentorship program, including strategic support, Networking opportunities with industry leaders. Apply by 8/22.

This November, in honor of Veterans Day, TechRise is hosting a Pitch Competition to spotlight startups led by U.S. military veterans. Five Chicagoland founders will be selected to pitch live on stage for a chance to win non-dilutive grant funding and receive tailored pitch coaching, mentorship, and ongoing community support. Please help us to spread the word with any relevant local entrepreneurs! Apply by 8/31.

The Blueprint Breakthrough Grant is for early-stage entrepreneurs looking for a cash boost to fund their next project. Whether it’s new equipment, marketing support, or breathing room to keep building — Blueprint offers applicants access to their online community, and a chance at winning $5,000. Apply by 9/1.

Apply now for the AT&T Small Business Contest for a chance to win $50,000 and the support of a growing community of over 20 athletes and entrepreneurs. One Grand Prize winner will receive: $50,000 towards their small business, One full year of AT&T service with a brand new device, Involvement in feature content with an AT&T #ShesConnected athlete. Four (4) runners up will receive $5,000. Apply by 9/30.

Networks Check out other upcoming events on the Founder's Resource Hub Calendar!

Are you working on an innovative new technology that’s driving sustainability in the built environment? The Getting to Zero Tech Forum is your opportunity to showcase your latest cutting-edge building decarbonization solutions to an audience of Illinois’ leading building industry professionals. Apply TODAY 8/8.

Apply for this year's competition and get your startup seen by potential investors, partners, and customers. Spotlighting creative startups through this competition is one of the ways the Music Tectonics conference focuses on music innovation—wherever it’s shaking up the industry. Apply TODAY 8/8.

Chicago is having a creator tech moment, and next week the city is celebrating with Creator Tech Week! Join to learn about the Web 3 Social movement at The Cube on August 15th with BlueSky, Forcaster, Nostr and more. Pregame with INT'L CAFÉ at Sushi Dokku before heading to Drive Capital to hear Cameo CTO, Dom Scandinaro muse about scaling creator tech. Register to join any number of events during Creator Tech Week, 8/10- 8/15. 

An invite-only event that will showcase entrepreneurs with traction with the goal of connecting them to investors and prospective customers. Over 100 applications will be considered with the successful winner receiving prize money. Companies with traction (already has at least $500K in revenue or customer sales, strong growth metrics, product market fit and an existing customer base). Apply for an invite by 8/12.

Join Chicago's tech community for an evening of rhythm, soul, and vibes. Summer Soundwaves will feature local bands across genres, playing in the mHUB parking lot, which you'll find at the western end of Fulton Market. Artists bring the sounds - mHUB brings the rest. Register to attend 8/14.

This nine-month fellowship grants the innovator access to the gig economy at mHUB where they can test and cultivate their technical and professional skills. The program supports innovators by providing a basic income stream ($500 monthly stipend) while they validate a business idea. Fellows are offered unparalleled resources at mHUB's cutting-edge innovation center in Chicago, including access to $6M worth of prototyping equipment, professional and technical development workshops, and a diverse innovation ecosystem. Apply by 8/15.

Apply for a feature in Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies feature. Since 2008, this list has been the definitive source for recognizing the organizations that are transforming industries and shaping society. With innovation more important than ever this year, Fast Company is looking forward to recognizing the organizations that are moving the world forward. Every submission for the Most Innovative Companies will be individually evaluated by a team of Fast Company editors and reporters. Apply by 9/5.

Village Capital, in partnership with Salesforce and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation, would like to invite you to our Community Event highlighting 10 early-stage climate startups that have completed the Thriving Communities: Climate Resilience investment-readiness program. Meet the founders, learn more about their ideas, and network with other leaders in the local impact and climate innovation ecosystem. Register to attend 9/16.

Knowledge Upcoming opportunities specifically designed for early-stage founders!

Session 3: Operational Expenses- This session covers the day-to-day costs required to keep the business running, separate from labor and the direct cost of goods. Includes Defining Operational Expenses, Fixed vs. Variable Expenses, Tracking & Budgeting. Register to attend in person 8/13.
Session 4 will cover- Understanding the P&L Statement, Profit vs. Income, Building your P&L, and Analyzing the results. Register to attend in person 8/14.

This three-session cohort aims to bridge the gap in our entrepreneurial education offerings, guiding pre-venture and emerging businesses towards success. The cohort will introduce fundamental business concepts and guide future and current entrepreneurs through the initial stages of setting up a business. This includes fulfilling state and IRS formalities, opening business banking accounts, drafting a business plan, preparing a pitch, and getting capital ready. Graduates will be invited to participate in our legal clinics. Register to join 8/19-9/2.

Join Omaxn on August 26, 2025, for an immersive in-person workshop led by Databricks designed for anyone eager to experience the future of app creation. This event will help participants — regardless of technical background — with the guidance and tools necessary to build a functional app in just 30 minutes using the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. If you register, mention that TechRise sent you! Register to join 8/26.

With new developments in AI, the internet of things, and big data analytics, manufacturing is experiencing a paradigm shift. How can we meet this moment head on? This MxD event will convene experts for a day of panels, presentations and even a factory floor tour. Register to attend 9/16-9/17.

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