CHA STUDENTS IN SUMMER ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM WILL PITCH IDEAS IN THE 'SHARK TANK'

The Future Founders “Be Your Own Boss” summer entrepreneurial program for CHA youth wrapped up Thursday, July 30, 2026, with a “Pitch Day.” Six separate teams from the program pitched their ideas to a panel of experts, including CHA CEO Keith Pettigrew (center) in a “Shark Tank”-like setting at Future Founders headquarters Downtown.
The Future Founders “Be Your Own Boss” summer entrepreneurial program for CHA youth wrapped up Thursday, July 30, 2026, with a “Pitch Day.” Six separate teams from the program pitched their ideas to a panel of experts, including CHA CEO Keith Pettigrew (center) in a “Shark Tank”-like setting at Future Founders headquarters Downtown.


Participants of the Future Founders “Be Your Own Boss” summer entrepreneurial program for CHA youth pitched their ideas in a “Shark Tank”-like setting to a panel of experts, at Future Founders headquarters Downtown.

 


CHA STUDENTS IN SUMMER ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM WILL PITCH IDEAS IN THE 'SHARK TANK'


Chicago Housing Authority students participating in Future Founders’ “Be Your Own Boss” program presented their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of experts in a “Shark Tank”-like setting Thursday, July 30 at Future Founders headquarters Downtown.

Over the previous month, students had been working on a startup solution for a problem they are passionate about solving – and participating in an accelerated entrepreneurial process with the guidance of real entrepreneurs and innovative business professionals. Their presentations were the finale of the program.

Six talented groups of three students apiece presented to the panel, which included CHA CEO Keith Pettigrew and Chief of Staff Kemena Brooks. All of the students were praised for their poise and quality of presentation.

“When you see programs like this, your heart can’t help but be warmed by the fact that there are people who care enough to partner with the agency so that you guys are provided with opportunities,” Pettigrew told the students. “I encourage you guys to chase your dreams. You can count on me to continue to invest in you as we go forward.”

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