Inspiring Entrepreneurship

ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED - tickets will be available at the door. 

Join us for an inspiring evening with three entrepreneurs from different industries at a various stages of their careers. The speakers will share their secrets to success.  An exhibit hall will feature innovators and entrepreneurs sharing their goods and services.

The Exhibit Hall will open at 5:00pm, speakers will start promptly at 6:00pm. 

Food and drinks will be available.

Bob Crawford - Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

Crawford started Brook Furniture Rental and turned it into a successful company over 36 years, selling it in 2014. When he retired he was looking for something more and in 2016, working in partnership with the Chicago Community Trust and Allies for Community Business (A4CB), Crawford created the Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab (NEL) with a mission to support and empower entrepreneurs of color to strengthen challenged communities.

NEL looks for entrepreneurs who have been in business two to four years and are in their 30s and 40s.  A $20,000 grant is awarded to the entrepreneur at the end of the fifth month to help grow their business, including purchasing capital equipment, inventory or signing a new lease for a larger space to house their business. 

Crawford is hoping to expand the NEL initiative into Lake County soon, focusing on the communities of Waukegan and North Chicago.

John Lonergan - Founder & Former CEO of Big Blue Swim School and Founder and CEO of Twelve Tone Music School

John Lonergan, a visionary entrepreneur celebrated for his transformative impact in the education sector. As the founder and former CEO of Big Blue Swim School and the current Founder and CEO of Twelve Tone Music School, John's journey is characterized by innovation, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to reshaping the learning experience, whether in swimming, music, or any other endeavor.

Linda Adams and Jasmine Sanchez- Co-Owners of Furry Finesse

Linda and Jasmine will share their journey in building a successful dog grooming business, Furry Finesse. After working at other grooming salons, big and small, the pair knew they needed to team up and fulfill their dream of owning their own studio. After opening 4 years ago they now own their own thriving salon and come to work happy every day. 

Questions? Contact us a info@northshorecivicclub.org.