Chicago

Founded in 2014, our Chicago Hub is home to a burgeoning group of leaders who are lighting the way for a brighter Jewish future in the Midwest. We partner with established institutions, support entrepreneurs, and host community workshops—so that everyone can bring bold Jewish ideas to light.

Our work extends throughout the region to St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Detroit, and our programs bring together individuals across the spectrum of Jewish life.

Program Highlights

• Change Accelerator (formerly the ‘Innovation Fellowship’) supports Chicagoland intrapreneurs looking to #MakeChangeFromWithin their institutions. Participants learn from master trainers, receive small-group coaching, and share their best idea at a community showcase.
• Community Workshops are the place for lay leaders, committee members, and Jewish professionals to cultivate out-of-the-box thinking and broaden their network.
• Collaborations with forward-thinking organizations, like The Jewish Education Project for their Jewish Futures conference. We also work with certain sectors of Jewish life, such as synagogue schools through CHIdush, our partnership with the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago.

Trying to get a new idea off the ground? Just completed a strategic plan and your board wants to know how to implement?  Not sure how to get started with addressing a community need?

Reach out to Aleeza Lubin, Senior Director, Regional Programs, to find out how UpStart can support your venture, institution, or staff.

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UpStart in Chicago
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, #1212
Chicago, IL 60654