Join the Polsky Center’s Investor in-Residence for private equity, Tim Kelly, MBA ’00, for an interactive workshop to discuss special topics in EQ.

Tim has been involved in private equity for nearly three decades in senior leadership and investment management roles with Allstate Insurance Company, Heller Financial, GE Capital, and Adams Street Partners. Tim began his career with Goldman Sachs & Co. in Chicago where he traded over-the-counter (OTC) securities and managed the office’s OTC market expansion efforts. He went on to manage billions of dollars in private equity related investment programs and to complete hundreds of successful international partnership and direct equity and fixed income investments. He is proud of an extensive global network of general and limited partner relationships he developed throughout his career as a result of his personable interaction style, objectivity and candor, and desire to help others succeed. His vast industry knowledge and experiences transcend finance, investments, law, international business, and complex capital formation structures.

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Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Join Skyler Almquist, Founder and Managing Partner of Alliance Growth Partners for an ETA Workshop on Tech Stack Setup & Best Practices. This session will provide essential insights into selecting, implementing, and optimizing the right technology tools to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support scalable growth.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced industry leader and gain practical strategies to build a strong and effective tech infrastructure.

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Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Indie week in NYC is always one of the most important and favorite industry events of the entire year. And to get out in front of it this year, I am thrilled to present two people who represent the best of what the independent sector of the business represents. 

Marc Caruso is the Co-Founder and CEO of Angry Mob Music. For the past 20 years, as an entrepreneur, composer, producer and Emmy-nominated music editor, he has been at the forefront of music publishing and rights administration. He is also Board Director and Past President of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Los Angeles Chapter.

Tony Alexander is the Co-Founder and President of Made In Memphis Entertainment. A modern day polymath, Tony is a tech entrepreneur, lawyer, teacher, philosopher and minister as well as an indie music mogul. A frequent speaker at leading industry events, Tony is quite familiar with being the smartest person in any room he enters.

These two guys have accomplished a lot and have plenty of wisdom to share. I promise this will be the best hour of your week. And you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived. 

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Presented by WHO Knew

With the successes of “Pokémon Go” and “Beat Saber,” virtual and augmented reality games have proven their staying power—but what makes them successful, and what will convince more gamers to make the transition? While VR’s appeal is undeniable, skepticism remains due to hardware demands, limited game libraries, and its perception as a niche market. The latest data suggests that while VR engagement is rising, developers remain hesitant, citing concerns over market size. The Apple Vision Pro, despite its high-tech promise, has yet to significantly shift industry sentiment. Meanwhile, arcade gaming is experiencing a resurgence, driven by social and physical activity-based experiences—an indication that players crave interactive, shared gaming environments.

Balancing potential with current limitations, players continue to seek a truly massive multiplayer online (MMO) experience in virtual reality (VR)—a vision many associate with the concept of the Metaverse. Yet, no game has fully captured that elusive sense of scale and depth. To understand what could drive mass adoption, we look to perspectives from gamers, arcade experiences, immersive game rooms, streamers, and developers. Are players seeking social connectivity, compelling storylines, ease of adoption, or high-end aesthetics? The answer may determine the future of immersive gaming.

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Imagine an A&R signing an artist with a $1 million budget to boost their music career. What’s the next move? What about just $1,000? Success is more than merely marketing and cash – it’s about having a strategic outlook and effective execution. That was the case for GRAMMY-winner Mannywellz. In this real-life case study, hear and watch the team and masterminds behind the scenes craft his dream career by reverse-engineering his strategy using SMART goals. They’ll cover building custom vision boards, setting realistic target goals, where tech fits into the equation, and how to actively stay on track with making landmark moments happen in an artist’s career. At the end of the day, results come from preparation.

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Presented by Music Biz

Attend our virtual Access to Capital business advising session with Pursuit Lending. Explore loan options, grants, and other funding opportunities. Gain valuable insights, ask your pressing questions, and take the next step toward financial success.

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Presented by Pursuit Lending and BACP

Join us for an interactive session where AdCrunch Digital's experts will conduct live reviews of Meta (formerly Facebook) advertising campaigns submitted by CPG brands. Gain actionable insights to enhance your ad performance and drive growth.

What to Expect:

• Real-time analysis of selected Meta ad campaigns from participating brands.

• Expert feedback on ad creatives, targeting strategies, and messaging effectiveness.

• Best practices for optimizing Meta ads to increase engagement and conversions.

Want your ad reviewed?
Create a Google Doc or Google Drive folder and include:

• A screenshot or link to your Meta ad

• Your campaign objective

• Target audience details

• Any questions or challenges you're facing

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Presented by FoodBevy

Being a producer / artist is about more than just your music - it’s about building your brand

Join us Monday April 28th as @gerardlongo12 from @umcworldwide shows us how to:
✅ Use your mission / vision to develop your brand
✅ Attract an audience & growth opportunities
✅ Build a sustainable, profitable creative ecosystem

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Presented by UMC and DAWn Audio

Learn how to maximize your business's potential by investing in the right tools and partners. Build your small business team for legal, financial, and management support. This webinar will also cover all of the free resources provided by the 8 Chicago Business Centers funded by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

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Presented by Kylie Ruscheinski, Director of the Uptown Business Center and BACP

Join us for an insightful session featuring The MLC and business manager Cat Marcasciano, as we dive into the world of music royalties and how you can maximize your earnings. In this webinar, we’ll break down the complexities of mechanical licensing, share key strategies for navigating royalties and the financial aspects of the music industry, and discuss how The MLC is here to help creators, publishers, and administrators maximize their revenue streams.

Cat Marcasciano, a seasoned industry expert and business manager, will provide valuable insights into effectively managing royalties, blending a deep understanding of both the creative and financial landscapes, while The MLC will walk you through the resources, tools, and support available to ensure you’re receiving the royalties you’re entitled to. Whether you're just starting out in the music business or looking to optimize your current practices, this session will empower you with the essential knowledge to thrive.

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It's old home week for me as we present two of Nashville's finest humans and explore how one of them is over-seeing a major milestone for the organization he runs. These two combined have 60+ years of been there, done that in several of the entertainment industry's most important companies.

Damon Whiteside is the Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Country Music, one of the two major trade organizations serving the country music industry. Since taking over the top job in 2019, Damon has led the organization thru dramatic growth, culminating in this year's 60th year anniversary. A native of Southern California, he has spent his 30+ year career in music, film, television, live entertainment, Broadway and retail. 

Kerri Fox-Metoyer is the Head of Entertainment at GABB Wireless, which is the leading tech platform designed to keep kids safe online. A music industry "lifer", Kerri has held key executive jobs in major companies including EMI, Disney, Sony and APA. 

Please join us for what will be the best hour of your week. I promise you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived. 

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Presented by WHO KNEW

The future of the music industry lies in automation, and AI-powered tools are transforming how artists engage with fans and generate revenue. In this session, SymphonyOS will break down the evolving landscape of fan-driven businesses, exploring how centralized data and automation can help artists scale efficiently. We’ll dive into real-world strategies for monetizing pre-saves, optimizing e-commerce, and leveraging AI-driven marketing tools like email and SMS automation. Join us to discover how innovation can empower artists to build sustainable, always-on businesses while staying in control of their audience and data.

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Presented by Music Biz

Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, do you know what the start-up journey is like? Or what initial steps you need to take? This webinar will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream. The webinar will also cover pricing, promotion, competition and marketing to give you a competitive edge. Topics Covered in the Start-up Webinar include: identifying successful traits, assessing your journey, navigating organization and regulations, gauging market potential and avoiding failure.

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Presented by Score Chicago and

Join Skyler Almquist, Founder and Managing Partner of Alliance Growth Partners for an ETA Workshop on Tech Stack Setup & Best Practices. This session will provide essential insights into selecting, implementing, and optimizing the right technology tools to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support scalable growth.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced industry leader and gain practical strategies to build a strong and effective tech infrastructure.

Register Here

Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

What does it take to see your company name in the headline of a trusted music or tech publication? Go behind the scenes to understand how journalists and editors work, what gets their attention, and what happens next.​

Find out what's changing as the media landscape shifts, and why advertising (paid media) and news coverage (earned media) need each other.

​We'll cover everything from how to make a pitch to getting the most out of your press after it lands.

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Presented by Music Tectonics

Join the Polsky Center and Sophia Matveeva, CEO & founder of Tech For Non-Techies, for an informative workshop on Fundraising for Non-Technical Founders. Investors are often skeptical about tech ventures run by non-technical founders – but don’t find this discouraging! In this session you will learn the methods Sophia used to raise $1 million from angel investors, the difference between product founders and technical founders, and how to mitigate investor concerns and position yourself for success.

This workshop builds on content in Sophia’s E2 “Tech for Non-Technical Founders.”

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Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Discover the power of AI in developing varied content designed for a range of platforms including social media, email marketing, blogging, your website, and more. Learn how to use AI to streamline content creation, aiding you in delivering a consistent and engaging brand narrative across different channels.

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Presented by Women’s Business Development Center

How do you identify investments that have a high probability of achieving growth and returning capital over the long-term? How do you separate short-term fads from industries and sectors with sustainable competitive advantages? In recent decades, certain sectors have witnessed meaningful investment by private equity firms — veterinary, dental, insurance brokers are examples — but how do you know when the tide will turn? In the late 90s, investors flocked to internet companies only to have the tech bubble burst in the early 2000s, losing large suits of capita. Over the past decade however, internet investments have supported strong returns—was it a theme or fad early on? In recent years, PE firms have focused on industries that do not fit the traditional buyout model—businesses with few assets and meaningful human capital and key man risk such as wealth management firms, insurance brokers, accounting firms and engineering firms. Will this support strong returns long term or is it yet another passing fad? Join IIR, Duane Jackson, to discuss some of the recent themes and fads in private equity to improve your investment theses development.

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Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Presented by BACP and National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Mary Beth Weigel,  Leadership and Career Coach at Step Back Get Clear Coaching

Whether you're managing a team, serving your clients, or collaborating with peers, delivering and receiving difficult feedback/information is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be destructive to the receiver, the giver and the relationship. There is a skill to navigating challenging conversations so that they can be productive, emotionally secure, problem focused and relationship developing opportunities. This workshop is designed to equip you with the tools, mindset and strategies to handle these interactions—whether you are giving tough feedback or receiving it – with compassion and empathy.

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In recognition of Earth Day, observed on April 22, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Carolee Kokola, Director of Enterprise Operations for Bubbly Dynamics LLC.

Established in 2002, Bubbly Dynamics is dedicated to incubating small businesses in formerly vacant, industrial buildings located in disinvested communities. Through Bubbly Dynamics, The Plant and Bubbly exist as buildings offering affordable, energy-efficient spaces for space for small and emerging manufacturers, product assemblers, and other businesses committed to sustainability. The Plant, located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, is a research and production facility comprising a collaborative community of small food businesses. In Bridgeport, Bubbly is home to a variety of light industrial businesses ranging from furniture repair to bike building, leading to collaboration that strengthens the businesses and reinforces sustainable practices.

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By 2033, the music industry powered by AI is projected to grow to a staggering $38.71 billion. But how can we ensure creators’ rights are protected while fostering innovation? In this session, join music, technology, and business experts at MatchTune to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and music. We’ll examine how AI-driven tools are revolutionizing the music industry, while addressing critical ethical questions around copyright, licensing and data usage. Together, we’ll discuss opportunities for fostering innovation without compromising creators’ rights. Join us to envision a future where technology and artistry collaborate seamlessly.

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Presented by Music Biz

Presented by BACP and Matthew Revere, Pursuit Lending

Attend our virtual Access to Capital business advising session with Pursuit Lending. Explore loan options, grants, and other funding opportunities. Gain valuable insights, ask your pressing questions, and take the next step toward financial success.

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Founders Susan Chen (Madame Susan Sauces) and Teresa Ging (Sugar Bliss) share their transitions from corporate careers to building successful CPG food brands.

Topics covered include:

• Brand Building: Learn how they approached storytelling, marketing, and connecting with their audience to grow their businesses.

• Challenges & Opportunities: Hear about the unique experiences they faced as Asian American female founders, including funding and industry representation.

• Financing & Scaling: Discover how they navigated capital challenges and managed costs while scaling their businesses.

• Advice & Future Plans: Get valuable advice for aspiring AAPI entrepreneurs and insights into what’s next for their businesses.

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Presented by NY Public Library

How do you identify investments that have a high probability of achieving growth and returning capital over the long-term? How do you separate short-term fads from industries and sectors with sustainable competitive advantages? In recent decades, certain sectors have witnessed meaningful investment by private equity firms — veterinary, dental, insurance brokers are examples — but how do you know when the tide will turn? In the late 90s, investors flocked to internet companies only to have the tech bubble burst in the early 2000s, losing large suits of capita. Over the past decade however, internet investments have supported strong returns—was it a theme or fad early on? In recent years, PE firms have focused on industries that do not fit the traditional buyout model—businesses with few assets and meaningful human capital and key man risk such as wealth management firms, insurance brokers, accounting firms and engineering firms. Will this support strong returns long term or is it yet another passing fad? Join IIR, Duane Jackson, to discuss some of the recent themes and fads in private equity to improve your investment theses development.

Register Here

Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Presented by BACP, Erika. Q. Gonzalez, Executive Director, and Jovanna Druay, Business Advisor.

In this webinar, we'll cover cost-effective marketing strategies for small businesses, along with tips on how to effectively use social media as a marketing tool. Perfect for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to take their marketing to the next level.

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As the name of this platform boldly states, we present really smart people who do amazing work in the music business. This has never been more true than this episode presenting two Ivy Leaguers, who are both highly successful digital music experts and all around nice guys. 

Joseph Perla is the founder and CEO of Hangout.fm., which is part of Turntable Labs. Previously he's held senior level tech roles at Meta and Lyft, as well as co-founding two other successful tech start-ups. Simply put, he is one of the most impressive people I've ever met.

Lars Murray is well known on this platform and throughout the music industry. An early advocate for streaming, he's held senior roles in major record labels (Columbia and Virgin) and led the partnership team at Pandora. He is currently running his own digital consultancy and produces the Unlimited Supply podcast, which should be part of your daily routine.

In addition to our normal 1 x 1 conversation, plan to stick around for a few extra minutes for a live demo of Hangout.fm. 

Please join us for what will be the best hour of your week. I promise you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived. 

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Join the Polsky Center and Nell Compernolle and Tanya Treptow in an informational workshop on how to optimize your data intake and analysis. Nell and Tanya both work for the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago and are research experts. In this workshop, we will discuss the best ways that you can structure your data intake so that you get the right kind of data, and then also how to interpret it, so you can optimize the way you incorporate feedback. This is part two of a two part E2 series with NORC focusing on research, but you don’t need to attend the first to get value out of the second.

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Join Elliott Holland, Managing Director of Guardian Due Diligence, for an in-depth discussion on the critical role of due diligence in the acquisition process.

With years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through successful transactions, Elliott will break down key components of due diligence, highlighting common pitfalls and best practices. He will also share real-world examples of how thorough due diligence can mitigate risk and uncover hidden opportunities in a deal. Whether you’re an aspiring searcher or an experienced acquirer, this workshop will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of evaluating a business before making a purchase.

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Presented by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovataion

Whether you are looking to expand, secure financing, or simply optimize your cash flow, this webinar will provide actionable insights to help you build a thriving business. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and take the next step toward financial success!

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Presented by BACP and Chase for Business

Maximize your royalties and protect your rights at RegFest, a FREE webinar for songwriters, artists, producers, and rightsholders. Presented by The MLC and Cosynd, and hosted by award-winning songwriter and artist Cassandra Kubinski, this event will cover how to register your works and claim all your income streams. Hear from experts at The MLC, Cosynd, BMI, SoundExchange, and Too Lost Distribution on how to collect every penny from royalties on downloads, streaming, radio, TV play, and more.

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