The Polsky Center, on behalf of the Duality quantum startup accelerator and the Polsky Exchange, has been approved for the Chicagoland Opportunity Zones Consortium’s (COZC) technical assistance initiative.
Opportunity Zones (OZ) are geographic areas across the U.S. as nominated by the State and designated by the federal government. The COZC represents 135 ones in Chicago and 48 in suburban Cook County. It facilitates connections through education and technical support to attract investments that create jobs, build wealth, and promote equitable development.
In support of this mission, the Polsky Center has been awarded $40,000 in funding to cover the cost of incorporating a qualified OZ professional services provider to deliver OZ-related technical expertise as part of its education initiatives.
“Through this COZC opportunity, the Polsky Center will incentivize businesses with high growth potential to learn about the benefits of OZs and to have the knowledge and the accounting assistance to grow and scale their businesses,” said Duality Director Eze Burts III.
The Polsky Center will provide general OZ workshops for Polsky Exchange members and program alumni, providing a range of participants with an overview of OZ. Companies ready to pursue OZ funding further will apply to work directly with OZ professionals.
As part of this opportunity, the Polsky Center also will have the opportunity to identify up to five eligible businesses for potential participation in a pitch event with prospective OZ investors in November 2023.
“Polsky Center program alumni are encouraged and incentivized to have a footprint, hire local talent, and stay engaged in the Chicago ecosystem,” said Burts. “Duality alumni businesses and high-growth potential Exchange member businesses are well-positioned to benefit from OZ opportunities and to expand footprints and hiring within OZs.”