Joseph Business School Announces Partial Scholarships for Low- to Moderate-Income Students Ahead of January 30 Application Deadline

Illinois businessman funds new scholarship to expand access to faith-based entrepreneurship training that helps founders scale to $1M and beyond.
Felice Searles. Photo courtesy of Jerry Thomas Public Relations
Felice Searles. Photo courtesy of Jerry Thomas Public Relations

Joseph Business School Announces Partial Scholarships for Low- to Moderate-Income Students Ahead of January 30 Application Deadline

Illinois businessman funds new scholarship to expand access to faith-based entrepreneurship training that helps founders scale to $1M and beyond.

FOREST PARK, IL — The Joseph Business School (JBS) announced today that it is offering partial scholarships to qualified low- to moderate-income students enrolling in its upcoming February 7, 2026, entrepreneurship cohort. The deadline to complete the enrollment application is Friday, January 30, creating a timely opportunity for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs seeking high-impact business training rooted in both practical and biblical principles.

The scholarship is made possible through the generosity of an Illinois businessman. Motivated by a desire to expand economic opportunity and support emerging entrepreneurs, he provided funding specifically to help Illinois residents access JBS’s proven, transformative curriculum.

Founded 26 years ago by Dr. Bill Winston, senior pastor of the 22,000+ member Living Word Christian Center—one of the largest churches in the nation—JBS has grown into a premier Christian business school with a global footprint. Today, the institution operates in 55 markets across five continents. It is leading a bold five-year campaign to help 100,000 entrepreneurs of color scale their businesses to at least $1 million in revenue.

More than 60 JBS alumni have already surpassed the $1 million milestone, demonstrating the school’s proven ability to transform visionaries into high-performing business leaders.

Unlike traditional business programs, JBS blends rigorous, MBA-level business training with biblical principles that address both the practical and internal barriers entrepreneurs face.

“We don’t just teach business—we teach identity, purpose, and the mindset required to build generational wealth,” said Dr. Deloris Thomas, president of JBS. “This scholarship—made possible by a generous Illinois businessman—ensures that cost is not a barrier for those who are ready to pursue the vision God has placed in their hearts. We are committed to equipping entrepreneurs to build companies that transform families and communities.”

The four-month program is offered in person and online, in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to students across Illinois and around the world.

Among the school’s many success stories is Felice Searles, a U.S. Air Force veteran and founder of Nancy’s Home Care on Chicago’s South Side. When she enrolled at JBS, she had no clients and no clear strategy. Today, she serves more than 150 clients and operates a thriving, multi-location business.

“JBS changed everything for me,” Searles said. “I walked in with a dream and walked out with a business. They taught me how to market, how to sell, how to budget, and how to believe bigger. My company exists because JBS gave me the tools and the confidence to build it.”

With the scholarship opportunity now available, JBS is encouraging eligible Illinois residents to apply immediately.

“This is a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs who know they are called to more,” Dr. Thomas added. “If God has placed a vision for business in your heart, this is your time. We are here to equip you to build wealth, create jobs, and transform communities.”

Enrollment Details

  • Program Start Date: February 7, 2026
  • Scholarship Eligibility: Low- to moderate-income Illinois residents
  • Application Deadline: Monday, January 30
  • How to Apply: Visit www.jbs.edu

About the Joseph Business School 

The Joseph Business School (JBS), founded by Dr. Bill Winston and headquartered at Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, IL, is a globally recognized, faith-based business school dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs to build scalable, sustainable enterprises. With locations in 55 markets across five continents, JBS integrates practical business training with biblical principles to empower entrepreneurs to create wealth, close the wealth gap, and transform communities.

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