BOOST 2026: Building Opportunities for Original and Sustainable Thinking
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! Save the date! Earth Day 2026 This year's BOOST event will take place on Earth Day! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in downtown Chicago. Our venue announcement and ticket sales will launch soon. Some of Our Past BOOST winners include:Tessa Vierk of Chicago Tool LibraryAleksandra Plewa of EcoShipSelma Sims of GardeneersJannice Newson of Lillian Augusta BeautyGillian Jackson of Snail CatalogQuilen Blackwell of Southside BloomsCall for applications Applications for BOOST are now live! If you or someone you know is looking to launch a small business, nonprofit, or other kind of start-up with sustainability […]