Entering its 14th year, BOOST has been a longstanding program to support emerging entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for products and services that promote environmental sustainability in Midwest communities. What’s extra special about BOOST? It is a pitch competition where you — the audience — vote to determine who wins the grand prize at the end of the evening: a $5,000 small business grant!
Join us for food, drinks, and an unforgettable evening! Earth Day 2026
Celebrate Earth Day this year with Delta Institute, as we enjoy hearing ideas from a new generation of emerging environmentalists and innovative entrepreneurs! BOOST will be held this year on Earth Day in downtown Chicago at Salesforce Tower Chicago.
How does BOOST work?
#1 – Finalists Pitch their Ideas
Between 3 and 5 finalists, selected by the Delta Emerging Leaders, pitch their ideas in front of a live audience.
#2 – You Vote
After hearing all the ideas, guests cast their votes online for their favorite start-ups.
#3 – Funding Awarded
After voting, we award small business grants to all the finalists, with the largest grant awarded to the winning start-up which gained the most votes.
This year’s finalists include:
Sarah Horn of Eco Chic Events
Ellen White of Ecofixr
Nathan Czuba of Midwest Science and Salvage
Sherry Skalko of Reduce Waste Chicago
Click here to read more about the finalists in our announcement blog post.
Organized by the Delta Emerging Leaders
BOOST is organized annually by the Delta Emerging Leaders associate board. Click here to learn more about the work of the “DELs.”
COLLABORATION CATALYSTS
IMPACT INVESTOR
SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORTERS
Sponsorships
Interested in having your business, foundation, or family showcase your support for entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability? Sponsorship packages start at $1,000 and include unique recognition opportunities, including naming rights for the awards. Please email Patrick Murphy for more information.