Delta Emerging Leaders
The Delta Emerging Leaders (DELs) serve as the official associate board of Delta Institute and advance Delta’s mission by expanding its network of supporters, donors, and partners through events and initiatives that engage new and diverse audiences.
For example, the DELs host an annual live, crowd-funding pitch competition called BOOST for sustainable start-up businesses that help make Chicago a thriving, environmentally conscientious city to live and work in. BOOST brings together social entrepreneurs with unique and innovative projects to pitch their concepts to a live audience. Audience members vote with their ticket contributions to determine winners who each receive $5,000 BOOST grants. Grant funds are raised by the Delta Emerging Leaders through sponsorship and ticket sales.
The DELs also host the annual Green Soapbox Event each Spring, convening regional experts to discuss a pressing environmental topic in a virtual setting. We have been fortunate to have heard, and learned, from many sustainability thought-leaders on an array of topics facing our region. Recordings of past Green Soapbox Events are hosted on Delta Institute’s YouTube channel.
Want to join the Delta Emerging Leaders?
Applications go live on March 31, 2025, and will close on May 1, 2025, at 5pm CT. Delta Emerging Leaders serve one-year renewable terms on the associate board beginning July 1 every year. Click here to learn more and apply.
BOOST Finalists
Since its inception in 2012, BOOST (Building Opportunities for Original and Sustainable Thinking) has been the flagship event organized annually by the Delta Emerging Leaders. As of 2024, the program has invested $112,000 in a wide range of Midwestern start-ups addressing key environmental issues.
BOOST serves as a platform for early-stage entrepreneurs with innovative products and services to provide sustainable change in the Midwest. During the BOOST event, attendees at the pitch fest vote for their favorite entrepreneurs and the winners receive $5,000 grants to invest in their sustainability-focused work in the Midwest. BOOST is the flagship annual event for the Delta Emerging Leaders.
BOOST is held annually each fall. Stay tuned for more information about applying to BOOST 2024.
2023 BOOST FINALISTS
Special 25th Anniversary All-Star Year
Chicago Eco House / Southside Blooms
Gardeneers*
Lillian Augusta Hair
Zumwalt Acres
2022 BOOST FINALISTS
babygami co.
Centerville Citizens for Change
EcoShip*
Rewilding Acres*
2021 BOOST FINALISTS
Chicago Tool Library*
Community Charging
Qilo Watt, Inc.
Tinyshop*
2020 BOOST FINALISTS
Chicago Environmental Educators
Dynamhex
Mycocycle
Zumwalt Acres*
2019 BOOST FINALISTS
Block Bins*
Chicago Tool Library
Community Charging
Lillian Augusta*
Star Farm Chicago Market and Garden Center
2018 BOOST FINALISTS
2017 BOOST FINALISTS
Great Lakes Yard*
Chicago Eco House*
Slow Roll Chicago
Out Our Front Door
Mighty
2016 BOOST FINALISTS
Bike A Bee*
Touch Light Innovations*
Resketch
PBR (Personal Bike Routing)
2015 BOOST FINALISTS
Octavia’s Natural Hair Care Experience*
Sojourn Fare*
The Naru Project
Meliora K
Resketch
2014 BOOST FINALISTS
Fresh Coast Capital*
Gardeneers*
Strategic Textile Reclamation
The WasteShed
2013 BOOST FINALISTS
Accelerate 77*
Urban Canopy*
Chicago Biodigesters
Community Glue
Field and Florist
2012 BOOST FINALISTS
Every Last Morsel*
WeFarm*
Health as Wealth
Storybooks for Sustainability
The Plant
*BOOST Grant Winners
Watch the most recent BOOST events organized by the Delta Emerging Leaders
Watch the most recent Green Soapbox events organized by the Delta Emerging Leaders
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