LIFT-Chicago recently hosted a 3-day mini–Entrepreneurship Summit, led by Marco Ortega, Senior Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Program at LIFT-LA! Originally designed as a 12-week program, the course was condensed into a 3-day intensive session.
Day 1 focused on introductions, business overviews, identifying target audiences, and developing elevator pitches. Participants learned how to effectively introduce themselves and their businesses, as well as how to craft strong pitches.
On Day 2, parents explored marketing fundamentals using Canva—creating business cards, designing marketing materials, and setting up social media handles to support their branding and outreach. In addition, participants practiced their elevator pitches and took part in a 3-minute pitch competition, presenting their business and voting for the winner. The last day covered basic bookkeeping, including how to track income, manage expenses, and organize financial transactions for business clarity and sustainability.
While the condensed format meant not every planned topic could be covered in full, participants found the sessions extremely helpful—especially in areas like social media, marketing, and bookkeeping. Some members showcased their real products or services they offer to the public, building confidence and sparking meaningful discussions.
The group brought together individuals with diverse skills and experiences, creating a collaborative learning environment where everyone contributed value. All six participants actively engaged, shared insights, and supported each other throughout the program. The experience left a lasting impression— so much so that participants created a group chat to stay connected, expressed interest in forming a monthly cohort, and showed enthusiasm for future sessions to explore additional topics. They appreciated the member-led format and the rare opportunity to deeply discuss and develop their businesses in a supportive environment.
At its core, this summit reflects what LIFT is all about—breaking the cycle of poverty by investing in parents. Through programs like this, we connect members to the resources, relationships, and tools they need to build financial stability, pursue their goals, and lift their families. This is what Hope, Money, and Love in action looks like.