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 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.   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 — deadline extended! Applications for BOOST are now live! If you or someone you know is looking […]