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Kellogg ASCEND Business Growth Program
The Kellogg School of Management is partnering with JPMorgan Chase to offer Kellogg ASCEND Business Growth program for Chicago area businesses interested in growth. This management education program is scheduled for March 5-7, 2025 on Northwestern University's Evanston Campus.
We will engage a select cohort of 20 business owners from underrepresented groups and areas plus other businesses that hire a significant percentage of employees from Chicago's under-resourced neighborhoods. We seek firms with revenues of $250,000+ or 4+ employees, although smaller companies with high growth potential may be considered.
This partnership between Kellogg and JPMorgan Chase aligns management education, market access and capital access to grow businesses and jobs in low and moderate income (LMI) communities in Chicagoland, and introduces a network of peers and other supportive organizations. The program facilitates growth of businesses and is especially focused on the south and west sides of Chicago.
ASCEND:
- Provides an executive management education program for these businesses to enhance growth potential with a focus on increasing hiring in under-resourced LMI neighborhoods in the Chicagoland area.
- Facilitates preparation for market opportunities by focusing on hiring, business financials, capital markets, AI, and leadership skills.
- Provides information to access funding opportunities.
The partnership with James H. Lowry & Associates (JHLA) links the Kellogg School with diverse business and nonprofit communities; helps businesses scale, retain and create jobs; and stimulates innovative economic development.
This collaboration — Kellogg, JHLA, JPMChase and major enterprise will enhance economic development by increasing employment, which decreases violence and related societal issues in the targeted neighborhoods. Primary targets include communities such as Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Humboldt Park, South Lawndale, Washington Park and Woodlawn.
Who Should Attend
Key Benefits
- Through class, workshops and residential engagement with business school faculty, professionals, and peers, business owners gain insights that address key challenges to produce measurable business improvements
- Address key management concepts related to company stability and growth including culture, change management, strategy, capital markets, technology, negotiations, leadership, finance, marketing, and supply chain
- Think strategically about your facility and identify important concepts you can apply to build the organization, increase stability, and enhance growth.
- Build a network of peers and mentors to support continued professional growth and development
- Enhance knowledge and skills for strengthening your organization's capacity to meet the challenges of a changing competitive landscape
Program Content
The curriculum will address principles, models and examples that enhance company success and growth.
Growth Topics
- Managing strategic change and growth
- Financing and capital markets
- Business plan development
- Team building
- Acquisition
- Entrepreneurial finance
- Hiring the best fit
Practical Application
- Apply learnings from the program to your business
- Discuss applications of the learning in small peer group sessions
- Address your business questions to faculty and industry experts
Faculty
Ernest Duplessis - Industry Lecturer, Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern Medill (retired); Founder/Pastor, S.T.U.D.Y.S. Ministries; Former – SVP, Communications and Government Affairs, Mondelèz International; VP, Corporate Communications, Kraft Foods; Public Affairs Officer, US Navy
Gail Berger - Clinical Associate Professor of Management & Organizations; Deputy Director, Center for Executive Women; Associate Professor of Instruction, Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, McCormick School of Engineering
Derrick Collins - Dean of Business School, Chicago State University
James Lowry - Sr. Advisor, Boston Consulting Group and CEO, James H. Lowry & Assoc.
Kevin McTigue - Clinical Associate Professor of Marketing
Michele Rogers - Clinical Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Executive Education and Director of Chicago Partnerships
Alfred Sharp - Managing Director, Muller & Monroe
Andrew W. Sykes - Adjunct Lecturer of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
William Towns - Adjunct Professor in Kellogg’s Sustainability and Social Impact Program
Ivy Walker - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Helios Digital Learning
Gregory White - CEO, LEARN Charter School
Fees & Accommodations
Cost
We thank JPMorgan Chase for the generous sponsorship of the Kellogg School of Management's highly rated Chicagoland program - ASCEND Business Growth.
Location & Accommodations:
The Kellogg ASCEND Program will be conducted in-person at the Kellogg Global Hub on Northwestern University's Evanston campus. Class is conducted until late evening on March 5 and participants will stay overnight at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston.
Application Deadline
Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis; early registration is suggested. Responses will be submitted within two weeks. Please note: applications must be received by 8:00am on February 17.
Cancellation Policy:
Participants must notify the Program Manager ten business days in advance of the program start if they are unable to attend.